The Professionelle Summer Associate Wardrobe Guide has been our most popular post for years (see also the 2009 Summer Associate Wardrobe Guide). I wasn't working at a law firm this summer so it completely slipped my mind this year. It's a bit too late now. Hopefully all of the 2012 summer associates enjoyed their Jean Georges lunches in style.
I have, however, been advising some rising 2Ls about how to choose the right firm for next Summer. Unlike the Summer Associate Wardrobe Guide, I won't go into details about each specific firm but here is some unsolicited advice on making this very important decision.
1) Go big first. There's a lot to be said for small or boutique firms and if you know that's where you want to spend your career or if you want to practice a specific area of law, then by all means go for it. If you're unclear and you have the choice, consider going to a larger or more prestigious firm first. Chances are, many of you will not practice law forever. Larger, more prestigious firms have better exit options. These firms also have the reputation for long hours but the size of the firm does not determine how busy or unpredictable your hours will be. City and practice area make the most difference, so if you want a balanced lifestyle, ask your friends who are practicing attorneys for their advice as to an area of specialization.
2) Sweat the small stuff. Don't ever feel like something is too petty to base your decision off of. The reality of the situation is that you'll spend the majority of your waking hours at your firm. That means your commute, the cafeteria and small perks can make a huge impact on your life. It's ok to base your decision on these factors if all else is equal.
3) How is the summer program structured? And I don't mean the lunch budget. Are you able to try different practice areas? Are you able to focus on what you already know you want to do? The more flexible the summer program, the better. The firm is still trying to sell itself during your summer so take advantage of it. It's your career and it's never too early to start taking control of it.
4) How is work assigned? This is something I would never have thought to ask when I was a Summer Associate but it makes a huge difference. Do you have to seek out or compete over assignments? Will you work with multiple partners or just one? All of this stuff makes a difference regardless of whether you or the firm are busy. There's nothing worse than begging for work in a bad economy or getting overloaded in a good one. It's not always possible or easy, but firms should try their hardest to assign work evenly. Otherwise, good associates will get burnt out and bad associates will never learn the skills needed to improve.
5) Are the people nice? Believe it or not, some firms can't scrounge up a few nice partners and associates to interact with Summers. That's not a good sign. On the flip side, don't judge an entire firm by the one loser you met at the cocktail reception. Try to get to a feel for the overal culture of the firm. The best way to do this is to talk to friends who either summered at the firm last year or have already started as associates. They'll give you the most candid feedback. If you don't have any friends in this position, ask around, someone will know someone. Don't rely on the people the firm sends your way, but if you hit it off with one of those people, don't discount it either. Similarly minded people flock to certain firms and make a huge impact on that firm's culture. Also - be aware of the organic conversations happening around you during your call back interviews and return visits. Are associates nice to each other? Is a partner yelling down the hall? Do the assistants look terrified?
The bottom line is to gather as much information as possible but make your decision based on your gut. Trust yourself and you can't go wrong. Any other Professionelles have tips for making this important decision? If so, please leave a comment!
