FAQs on the Summer Recruiting Program

 

1. Do you offer paid clerkships?

Yes. Summer associates are paid weekly salaries which vary slightly by office and law school year.

2. Is there a set starting date(s) and can exceptions be made under some circumstances?

We generally ask that summer associates start on a predetermined orientation date, either at the start of the summer or at the mid-way point. We address requests for exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

3. Is there a set minimum time for summer recruits to spend at the firm during the summer?

Yes. We require that clerks spend six (6) weeks with the firm.

4. Do summer associates rotate within practice areas during the summer?

In order to see various practice areas and attorneys, summer associates usually rotate within practice areas during their first summer at the firm. During their second summer, many summer associates focus on one or more practice areas.

5. Are summer associates assigned a firm computer and given Internet access?

Yes.

6. Do summer associates do “real work”?

Yes. The work performed by our summer associates is often incorporated into final attorney work product.

7. Do summer associates work with a range of attorneys in terms of experience during the summer or do summer associates just deal with junior associates?

Summer associates in our program receive projects from attorneys with a wide range of experience – from brand new associates to the most senior partners.

8. Do summer associates have a chance to attend trials, depositions, hearings and participate in other activities outside the office? Does this ever involve travel to other firm offices or cities?

Yes. Summer associates regularly participate in activities outside the office such as depositions and trials. It is also not unusual for summer associates to accompany attorneys to other cities for such activities.

9. How are work projects for summer associates managed during the summer?

The process of distributing work projects varies a little by office. In order to enhance the summer experience, we have attorneys who serve as project coordinators, overseeing the process. They assign and manage the distribution of work projects for summer associates and help ensure the appropriate balance between workload and variety of projects.

10. Do summer associates have attorney advisors? What role do they serve?

Each summer associate has two advisors (usually one partner and one associate). Advisors are among the many individuals who provide guidance and support for summer associates. Typically, summer associates meet their advisors during their first week of work at the firm, but they often communicate before the summer begins.

11. If I have further questions, who can I contact?

Please contact the firm’s Recruiting Director, Barrie Wilson at: (205) 226-8709 or bwilson@balch.com.