How Summer Associates Can Maximize the Last Few Weeks on the Job

As we are just past the halfway point for many summer associate programs, now is a great time for associates to pause and reflect, and consider how to get the most out of the remaining time.

You should assess your satisfaction with your current performance and the personal brand you’ve built so far. If things aren’t going as planned, it’s not too late to make some adjustments.

Perhaps you’re on the shy side and you’ve been laying low. Or maybe you’ve been too assertive in your eagerness to make a mark. By this stage, you likely have a clear perspective on what you might have done differently if you had the opportunity to rewind and start the summer program again. Fortunately, there’s still time to realign your approach in an authentic manner and end the program on a high note.

We have trained hundreds of summer associates throughout our legal marketing careers. We suggest the following tips to ensure you make the most of your summer associate experience.

Consider the feedback you’ve received on your assignments and projects so far. Haven’t gotten any? Request feedback from your supervisors/assigning partners. Listen actively and be open to constructive criticism, showing a willingness to learn and enhance your skills.

And if you haven’t already, take the initiative and be proactive in seeking out assignments. Walk the halls at the end of each day and ask partners if there are any matters you can help with. Write a firm blog. Assist with a client CLE. Offer to research a prospective client. Set Google alerts for significant firm clients and share key updates with your colleagues. A proactive attitude is a great way to stand out from your peers and leaves a lasting impression.

Be curious. Ask thoughtful questions and seek clarification when needed. Many young attorneys hesitate to ask questions, fearing judgment or feeling they should already know the answer. But it’s far more calamitous for your career to make improper assumptions and tackle an assignment incorrectly.

Strengthen and fine-tune your relationships. Now is the perfect time, as you have a better understanding of everyone’s roles, reputations, needs, and motivations. Who would you like as a mentor? Whose career path would you like to emulate? Show the lawyers within the firm that you’re willing to go the extra mile, just like you would with future clients. And remember, your firm partners can be as influential on your career path as your clients.

Don’t shy away from connecting with lawyers in other offices. If there is an attorney whose practice or background piques your interest, set up a Zoom meet and greet.

If you think you’d like to explore or pursue another practice area, make your interest known. It’s not too late to gain exposure to a variety of different areas of law to see what the best fit for you may be.

Get to know the marketing professionals at your firm. Legal marketers often have a wealth of resources that can help you succeed as a summer associate and beyond. Ask for guidance on how to become an industry thought leader, strategies to cultivate your network, and how to begin building your professional brand. Request a business development plan template.

Have them help you identify steps you can start taking today to lay the foundation for business development success. The marketing team can also advise you on partners who are particularly adept at business development or who may be good mentors for your legal career.

Consider getting involved in pro bono work if you haven’t already. Not only will you have the opportunity to hone legal skills in a real-world context, you will also get the chance to collaborate with firm lawyers and professionals from other organizations.

Don’t let the summer heat make you complacent. Continue to take advantage of the many networking opportunities that your firm offers by attending events, seminars, and social gatherings. It’s a great opportunity to get to know your peers and build long-lasting relationships. After all, the summer associate sitting next door may one day go in-house and be in a position to refer work to you.

The most successful practicing lawyers constantly evaluate and adjust their strategies for clients and their careers. Summer associates should adopt this approach, as well.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg Industry Group, Inc., the publisher of Bloomberg Law and Bloomberg Tax, or its owners.

Author Information

EJ Stern and Katherine Wilson are founders of Fractional Law Firm CMO, which offers strategic CMO services, workshops, and group coaching for law firms of all sizes, both virtually and in-person.

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