It’s not hard to feel inspired when your work makes a difference. We come across endless opportunities and face exciting challenges every day, and Sonnenschein's summer program is designed to prepare you for what comes next at a large law firm. It is tailored to the individual needs, interests and backgrounds of each summer associate. Because the summer experience at a law firm can be a pivotal one for students, the goal of our summer program is to combine outstanding training opportunities with substantive attorney interaction and a focus on mentoring, observation and realistic work. You will experience the practice of law from the firm’s perspective, with emphasis on meeting our clients’ needs. You’ll work with partners, associates, and summer associates across the firm.
Summer associates participate in numerous training sessions throughout the summer. In addition to a full complement of training seminars geared specifically toward Sonnenschein's summer associates, you have access to the same training attended by full-time associates and various practice groups. This past summer, all of our summer associates participated in either a mock trial or a mock corporate negotiation. These mock exercises were largely held on a regional basis. Prior to the exercises, summer associates participated in several training sessions specific to their selected exercise.
The firm is dedicated to developing the professional strengths and leadership skills of our summer associates, and we pair each student with a mentor to answer questions about the firm’s culture and foster professional development. Feedback is considered an integral part of the summer associates development and is provided on all assignments and from every attorney with whom you work.
Sonnenschein's summer program is highly integrated into the firm’s hiring strategy. The program seeks to cultivate a student’s legal competencies as a means to a successful career. In addition to substantive work, the program offers numerous opportunities for observation, wherein summer associates accompany attorneys to a court hearing, attend a deposition, contract negotiation or client meeting. We also furnish realistic and diverse work assignments. Summer associates are offered a selection and can shape their summer based upon their interests. Pro bono work is highly encouraged and can provide an invaluable learning experience. From assisting the homeless, to helping form a nonprofit organization, there is plenty of work to be done for the communities in which we live and work.
Beyond the small group and individual training opportunities, our summer program encourages associates to broaden their interactions with both associates and partners, from a wide range of practices. We schedule a variety of social events throughout the summer, including dinner at a partner’s home, outings to showcase our cities’ best attractions and restaurants, and the opportunity to form lasting relationships with other summer associates as well as attorneys at the firm.
