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Frequently Asked Questions

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Summer Program - Frequently Asked Questions

Which offices have summer programs?

The Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Delaware, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Diego, South Bend, and Washington, D.C. offices have formal summer associate programs. Many of our offices also have summer law clerk opportunities.

How do I apply?

If we are not recruiting on campus at your law school, please apply here.

How long is the summer program?

The summer program is 10 weeks long.

Are summer associates assigned to a particular area of law?

No, summer associates are not assigned to a specific practice group. We ask our summer associates to identify two or three practice areas of interest, but we encourage them to experience a variety of practice areas during their time with us.

How are assignments handed out?

Assignments are handed out in a variety of ways. The most common way is for attorneys to enter assignments into an online portal. Each summer associate has the ability to log into the assignment portal and choose which projects interest them. However, many of the assignments come directly from attorneys via separate communication or meetings.

What is the feedback and evaluation process?

Summer associates are provided feedback on a project-by-project basis by the assigning attorney. The project-based evaluation provides feedback in a variety of areas, including: Legal Writing; Legal Research; Communication and Responsiveness; Accuracy and Quality; Timeliness and Efficiency; Analytical Ability and Advocacy Skills. We also hold in-person midsummer and end-of-summer evaluation meetings with each summer associate.

What training is provided during the summer program?

All of our summer associates go through two days of orientation and training when they first join the firm. We also hold a multi-day Summer Associate Retreat in Indianapolis with the summer associates from all of our offices. Additionally, we conduct biweekly educational video conferences in all of our offices. Topics and training vary from year to year and cover a variety of substantive and practical areas (e.g. time and billing tips, legal writing skills, time management, general practice development, and networking, etc.). All of our summer associates are also provided access to the firm’s online training programs.

What mentoring opportunities are there?

Every summer associate is assigned both a partner adviser and an associate adviser. Additionally, each summer associate is provided a budget to help support internal networking and additional informal mentoring opportunities with Barnes & Thornburg attorneys.

Are there opportunities for summer associates to work on pro bono matters?

Yes, each office has a variety of opportunities for summer associates to be involved in one of our many pro bono matters.

Experience Barnes & Thornburg

    About The Firm

    ABOUT US

  • You don’t need more lawyers, you need the right lawyers. You deserve to work with a firm that offers integrity, reliability and a personal commitment to finding the right solutions for the challenges and opportunities you face every day. Read More

  • OUR CULTURE

  • Passion drives everything we do. We are committed to excellent client service and to serving our communities. We are all in for empowerment, sponsorship and integration. We understand people are at the heart of our business…and the heart of yours. Read More

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    Experience Barnes & Thornburg


    About The Firm

    ABOUT US

  • You don’t need more lawyers, you need the right lawyers. You deserve to work with a firm that offers integrity, reliability and a personal commitment to finding the right solutions for the challenges and opportunities you face every day. Read More

  • OUR CULTURE

  • Passion drives everything we do. We are committed to excellent client service and to serving our communities. We are all in for empowerment, sponsorship and integration. We understand people are at the heart of our business…and the heart of yours. Read More

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