We recognize that the best way for summer associates to learn about our Firm and our practices is to work with us on client matters -- both billable and pro bono.

Work Assignments
Summer associates in all our offices have the opportunity to select from a broad range of assignments and work with attorneys throughout the Firm.  You select assignments using the Firm’s computerized assignment system.  The system is updated daily with dozens of assignments, which provide a true flavor of the breadth of the work that is available.  Formal and informal feedback is provided on assignments by the assigning attorneys and any other attorneys with whom you work.

In addition to working on particular assignments, summer associates have the opportunity to participate in a variety of other professional activities designed to expose you to life as an associate.  Among other things, you may:

• Help a trial team prepare and develop trial strategy
• Assist attorneys in preparing for depositions and hearings
• Perform legal research and draft memos, opinion letters, contracts and briefs
• Observe negotiations
• Interact with clients
• Attend closings or other meetings

Summer associates in the Chicago office may also participate in “Rotations” with one of our transactional departments.  A “Rotation” gives you the opportunity to work on a deal or other transactional project as though you were a junior associate on the team. 

Pro Bono Assignments
Summer associates can choose from a large number of pro bono assignments that will provide additional learning opportunities and client contact.  In past years, summer associates have worked on research, drafting and fact investigation for criminal cases, appeals, asylum applications and transactional work for not-for-profit organizations. 

In addition, throughout the summer, the Firm schedules a series of lunch or breakfast programs to help summer associates learn more about Jenner & Block’s commitment to pro bono work.  For example, in Washington, DC, the Co-Chair of the Pro Bono Committee hosts a breakfast meeting with the summer associates to discuss our pro bono program and answer questions.  In Chicago, we invite partners, associates, and sometimes pro bono clients, to address the summer associates and describe some of the pro bono cases we have handled.  Other offices are invited to attend these meetings by videoconference.

Read more about our pro bono advocacy.