So, you’ve already landed a summer job. Well done! When the job begins, you’ll want to show up prepared, make a lasting impression and secure a full-time job offer. But what can you do now to differentiate yourself from the rest of your summer associates?
We’ve rounded up some quick tips from 3Ls on how to best prepare early for a stellar summer associate experience.
Take care of housekeeping items
You’ve most likely thought about, or even already looked into, your housing accommodations for the summer. But if you haven’t, don’t let this slip by or linger too long. Explore your housing options and make sure you’ve secured where you’ll be living during your summer internship. If you’re not sure where to start, try asking your future employer and former interns if they have recommendations.
Subscribe and read in your field
Many 3Ls agree that reading legal news, legal research and litigation analyses from trusted legal sources can help you appear more competent in a particular field. Staying up to date on important and timely legal news can help keep you informed in your niche or field. The American Bar Association offers a number of free outlets for legal news and commentary to help get you started.
Brush up on the Rules of Professional Conduct
Whether or not you’ve taken your law school’s professional responsibility course, or the MPRE, make sure you understand the Rules of Professional Conduct. These rules and regulations will apply to you and your firm over the summer. Being familiar with them will help ensure you know how to conduct yourself with integrity during your summer program and leave a great impression.
Network with people from your firm
Networking is an important part of a lawyer’s job, even networking within your own firm, and this is something you can start before the summer program begins. Take the initiative to reach out to junior and senior associates to introduce yourself (if you haven’t previously met) and see if they’re able to give some advice as to how to prepare for the summer.
Reaching out early will also benefit you when it comes to case assignments. Two summer associates participating in the same program can have vastly different experiences based on how they approach networking before and during the program to build valuable, lasting relationships.
Assemble your business wardrobe
The 2L summer associate program is typically 10 weeks of in-person employment with a business formal or business casual dress code. Do your research to find out what your program requires and start to build the proper wardrobe now. You may already have some great pieces to work with, but you’ll probably find that you need a few additional items so you’re not overwhelmed with laundry.
Review any employer-specific preparations
Your employer may have items they would like or need from you prior to your start. Check with them to see if there is anything you need to complete or review ahead of time.
Learn about legal internships, post-graduation clerkships and more here.