Summer Associate Program


Our summer associate program generally starts mid-May and concludes the end of July. During the course of a typical 10-week summer experience, a summer associate is exposed to both the commercial and litigation departments, receiving assignments that range from legal research and memo drafting to preparation of commercial documents and pleadings used for litigation. Summer associates also have the opportunity to attend depositions, court appearances, appellate arguments, client meetings, drafting sessions, conference calls and transactional closings. In addition, summer associates participate in firm meetings and in-house training sessions.

 

Work Performed


We give our summer associates junior associate-level work. An assignment coordinator assigns projects and gauges work flow, ensuring that a variety of work in many areas is provided. We also place a great deal of emphasis on personal initiative and encourage our summer associates to contact attorneys directly to obtain assignments in areas of special interest. Regardless of how the work is obtained, an assignment coordinator monitors each summer associate's activities to maintain a steady and manageable work level and ensure that our summer associates experience varied aspects of the law.

 

Integration


Briggs encourages summer associates to form friendships with their colleagues and provides opportunities for fun outside of the office. Briggs plans and sponsors several social events throughout the summer. Summer associates are also encouraged to socialize with Briggs attorneys and each other outside of our planned activities.

 

Mentorship


Each summer associate is assigned a mentor. This mentor serves as a great resource in assisting with a summer associate’s orientation to the firm and introduction to the practice of law. Our mentor program is designed to provide each summer associates daily access to one of our most successful associates.  The responsibilities of our summer associates mentors include introducing the summer associate to other Briggs attorneys and staff, answering questions and, when asked reviewing initial drafts and work assignments.

 

Evaluation


Summer associates receive both verbal and written evaluations of work product from the assigning attorneys. In addition, there are three formal evaluations conducted by members of the recruiting and evaluation committees as follows:

 
  • Two-week review
  • Mid-summer review
  • Final review

Summer associates are evaluated on overall performance, reviewing the following areas:

 
  • Quality of legal/factual research and analysis
  • Quality of written work
  • Quality of oral presentation
  • Promptness and efficiency
  • Personality (maturity, enthusiasm, poise and confidence)
  • Acceptance of responsibility
  • Motivation/commitment
  • Usefulness of work product
  • Ability to work with colleagues, clients and staff

At the same time, we seek feedback from each summer associate regarding his or her experience at Briggs to ensure that we continue to improve our program and address summer associates' needs and concerns.

To apply for the summer associate program, please see the On Campus Interviews page.