This Big Law CEO Says Summer Associate Classes Are Here to Stay

Law firm managing partners wondered last year whether Quinn Emanuel’s move to largely scrap its summer associate program would mark a first-mover in a larger trend.

The answer to that question from several firm leaders has been a resounding no.

“We still believe in summer programs,” said Andy Kassner, chair and CEO of Drinker, Biddle & Reath. He noted that while the firm maintains a smaller class size than some large firms, it is holding steady: The summer class size this year is 31 firm wide, while last year it was 23 firm wide.

“We believe in training and developing talent.” ...