Winston & Strawn LLP

Training & Assignments

• “During the summer, I handled work assignments typical of a first-year associate, including substantive research assignments in the areas of law for which I had expressed interest.”
• “I received a variety of work that ranged from typical young-associate ‘busy work’ to more substantive things like participating in a mediation.”
• “I received multiple assignments in all of the areas of law that I was interested in. The firm also created training assignments in areas of practice that wouldn't be feasible for a summer associate to participate (taking a deposition, negotiating contractual terms with opposing counsel, giving an opening statement, etc.), guided by partners and senior associates, allowing us to get a sense of what that type of work is like.”

Social Opportunities

• “There were wonderful events, such as a firm sponsored wine tasting and sushi night. Attorneys were very eager to go to social events (including partners) and there was great camaraderie among the summer associates. All the summer associates ended up at the firm, and I am still close with my summer class.”
• “W&S stressed the importance of making social connections with attorneys and fellow summers, which led to me forming lasting friendships with those who are still at W&S or who have since moved elsewhere.”
• “Winston has hit the sweet spot of activities—not too many and not too few. There were enough activities and lunches where I got to know everyone at the firm, but I wasn't exhausted from being ‘on’ all day. My summer associate class became fast friends and we have all attended each others’ weddings and life events, and enjoy spending time together outside of work.”

Associate Experience vs. Summer Expectations

• “I think the reality of working at the firm has matched my expectations. As is common in BigLaw, hours can be long but working in litigation means there is an ebb and flow to working hours. I have found that everyone at Winston is extremely supportive and encouraging, and both partners and senior associates have consistently gone out of their way to offer advice and new opportunities.”
• “My experience as an associate picked up where my summer left off—I dove right into substantive and interesting work, and continued to build relationships with attorneys in my office, as well as across the firm.”
• “Honestly, life as a summer associate is a good reflection of how being a first year associate will be. I was surprised by how much responsibility I was given upon starting full time, whereas as a summer, the assignments are in smaller bites.”

• “Signature summer events include Cubs rooftop, river cruise and fireworks, and casino night.”
• “Trivia event and painting event.”
• “Curling and dinners at partners' houses when spouses could also attend.”

Law students who join Winston & Strawn’s summer associate program have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of corporate and litigation projects with outstanding attorneys who are welcoming, kind, and genuinely invested in their professional growth and happiness.

Winston’s greatest strength is our people, and we support them throughout their careers. Winston University, a world-class series of legal and professional skills-training programs, is the centerpiece of the firm’s learning culture. Our formal mentoring program helps entry-level attorneys begin their careers with confidence, and our full-time Director of Coaching & Well-Being provides targeted support for career, performance, and wellness goals. 

Winston has embedded diversity, equity and inclusion into the fabric of the firm. Affinity groups for Black, Latinx, Asian, LGBTQ+, and women attorneys play a critical role in the hiring, advancement, retention, and promotion of diverse lawyers throughout the firm.. Winston also has a Family Network affinity group and offers a  progressive, gender-neutral parental leave and support program

Active engagement in pro bono and within the communities where we work is a hallmark of Winston. Our summer associates have the opportunity to work on impactful pro bono matters and participate in Winston for Good volunteer activities