New York

We structure our program to give law students a realistic view of the way we practice on a daily basis.  Our summer associates perform meaningful, billable work alongside partners and associates in various practice groups.  We do not sugar coat the experience; we give summer associates substantial responsibilities in real cases and transactions. 

To ensure that every summer associate has a balanced work load, the New York office appoints a senior associate to manage assignment distribution.  The assigning associate meets weekly with each summer associate to make sure that he or she has opportunities to work in practice areas of interest, and to make certain that the summer associate is never overwhelmed.

Here is a testimonial from one of our summer associates:

"Prior to working as a summer associate, I had already worked as a paralegal and as a law clerk.  Because of this prior experience, I knew that I wanted to work in a firm with an active litigation department.  However, since my prior experience focused exclusively on motions practice, I was looking for the opportunity to experience some trial work.  As a summer associate at Sheppard Mullin I was given this opportunity. 

Throughout the summer I was fortunate enough to work on a case that was progressing towards trial.  At the end of the summer I traveled to Maryland for a week and a half to participate in the trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.  The experience I gained at this trial was invaluable.  First, I was able to work closely with both the partners and associates working on the case, and because of this, I continuously received feedback as to the quality of the work I was doing.  Second, I was able to work with the summer associates from the Washington, D.C. office while at this trial.  This provided me a glimpse of how Sheppard Mullin encourages interaction and cooperation between the various offices of the firm.  The most satisfying thing was the camaraderie that developed amongst the trial team.  This camaraderie was formed while pouring over exhibits and writing late night motions and is one of many reasons why my experience as a summer associate at Sheppard Mullin was truly memorable." 

-- Sean Kirby, NY Summer Associate