Summer Associate Program
Dykema’s summer associate program provides law students with the opportunity to experience the practice of law at our Firm through our summer associate program. Participants receive a detailed, realistic view of the firm, its practices, its clients, its lawyers and the social and cultural aspects of the communities in which our offices are located.
We connect with our summer associates early in the calendar year through our Summer Associate Extranet. This allows us to offer program information, such as important dates, and to begin onboarding early.
We welcome applications from second-year students attending law schools at which we will not attend OCI. First-year student applications are accepted after December 1. We request a resume, law school transcript and a cover letter in PDF format from all applicants.
While many summer associates have a practice area preference, we encourage our summer associates to take assignments from all areas of the firm and across offices to allow them to discover more about different practices and how associates support those practices in serving our clients. This cross-office work also follows Dykema’s “One Firm” concept, which mirrors the way in which our associates work. Out of office experiences such as trials, hearings, mediations, and client meetings are common.
In addition to direct assignments from attorneys, a firm wide assignment portal makes assignments available in virtually every practice area and office, allowing summer associates the opportunity to choose the work in which they are most interested. The portal also assists with workload management, keeping track of deadlines, and automates the evaluation process.
Summer associates receive orientation and support throughout the summer from our lawyers, program coordinators and professional personnel. Each summer associate is assigned a member and associate advisor. Program coordinators monitor assignments and meet with the summer associates to discuss assignments, workloads and substantive and procedural questions. Summer associates receive written and oral feedback throughout the summer including a formal evaluation with the summer associate program coordinator and Member advisor.
We have a professional development curriculum designed specifically for summer associates. Additionally, summer associates are invited to attend practice development opportunities and firm meetings. Pro bono cases are an important part of the wide variety of projects and assignments all summer associates receive.
