White & Case

• “After the first week of orientation, which was training-heavy, there were additional trainings throughout the summer, usually a few times a week. Assignments varied but most tended to be substantive.”
• “We had multiple trainings on firm software and subject matter. We then were given only substantive assignments. I was helping draft pleadings, research for trial preparation and contribute to key client work product.”
• “The firm will use the same process to onboard summer associates on to matters as the process used for first years. The teams will take time to walk through the background of the matter and find real assignments for summers to work on.”
• “I was given substantive research assignments that were interesting. I was given an appropriate amount of time to conduct the research, and the attorney often followed up to give me feedback on my work. The attorneys also often let summers sit in on hearings and presentations. We were also able to get a peek into business development and client relationship management.”

• “We had great summer events (including darts, plays, pottery painting, concerts, and cooking classes) that attracted many attorneys to join. This made casual spaces for summer associates to make meaningful connections with their future colleagues. In addition, there were events only for the summer class, which meant the class felt more unified by the end of the summer.”
• “I enjoyed the thoughtful summer events that seemed to have something for everyone. The attorneys were very down-to-earth, food events were top-notch, and a number of the summer associates became and stayed friends a few years out of program. One of my favorite events was a cooking class at an artisan Indian restaurant.”
• “The firm has a great summer program. Events included attending a Drake concert, a make-your-own Converse event, a cooking night, and more. I really enjoyed getting to know other summer associates through these events. Additionally, the firm offered significant mentorship opportunities that helped build relationships.”
• “There were multiple weekly events (including formal and informal dinners with attorneys) throughout the summer. Certain events outside of the firm included Putt Putt, darts, pottery painting, plays, concerts, and cooking classes. For most of these events, all associates and parters were encouraged to attend, meaning that there was ample opportunity to form relationships with future colleagues outside of the office environment. One of the biggest programs happens the first week, where all summer associates are flown to NYC for a week of training and team-building. This week solidifies the class, especially since so much of the work is performed cross-office.”

• “In summer, there would be more instructions regarding each assignment; after I officially started as a first year, sometimes, due to the urgency of the work, an assignment may just be an email with limited information. In that case, I would need to do more research on my own, which can be stressful given the time pressure.”
• “The nature of the work I've been given as a first-year associate really aligns with the tasks I was assigned as a summer associate.”
• “The summer experience is challenging in the sense that real and difficult work is given to summer associates. Not only does that mean I felt like I was a true part of the team but also it gave me a sense of confidence for what I [would] be expected to do as a first year. While the summer allows for an open-market system for all groups, [in the Houston and New York offices,] a first year is placed within two groups (a major and a minor). Within those groups, there is a lot of autonomy for asking for or being assigned work through the first-year staffing portal. I have been pleasantly surprised by how easily I can get work from whichever group I want between the two.”
• “I am surprised by the amount of reliance associates and partners have in my work now that I am a first year. As a summer, everything I did was checked by another person. Now, the work I provide is used to support other work, and there's a general understanding that they feel confident in my work product to not to have to check it again.”

We pride ourselves on giving summer associates real work for real clients with real deadlines. During week one, the entire class is invited to the New York office where summer associates across the United States have the opportunity to network with their peers and learn more about the firm, our people, and our culture. Programming includes a session on wellness, business skills training, a seminar on law firm economics, and an off-site team-building activity as well as an overview of our Responsible Business initiatives. We include a full curriculum of training programs following week one, in addition to hands-on training working side-by-side with our lawyers. Our Staffing Manager ensures that each summer associate is exposed to a variety of work, including pro bono matters. Summer associates are assigned mentors to provide career guidance and ensure a smooth transition to the firm. A variety of social events are available to help foster internal connections. At the end of the program, our summer associates will have a thorough understanding of what it is like to be a junior associate at White & Case.