Los Angeles

Before the summer program begins, we ask our summer associates to tell us what practice areas they would like to try during their summer program.  Based on those preferences (and attorney vacation and trial schedules permitting), we assign the summer associates to attorneys in those practice areas.  Summer associates rotate through three or four practice areas, and each rotation lasts for approximately three weeks.  We encourage attorneys to take summer associates to court hearings, closings, client meetings and other spectator events. 

The Los Angeles office also offers a Trial Advocacy Program (TAP), which it initiated in 1999 for summer associates.  Under the supervision of partners with extensive trial experience, participating students learn how to conduct opening statements, direct and cross-examinations of lay and expert witnesses and closing arguments. After each training session on a certain aspect of a trial, the students prepare for and make a presentation in front of several partners who critique the presentation. The students divide into trial teams of two to prepare for and conduct a half-day trial in front of a real judge, and a six-member jury deliberates after the trial. The jury deliberations are videotaped in order to provide feedback to each trial team on how their case and presentation techniques were perceived. Participation in TAP is optional, but the students who elect to participate commonly view their experience in TAP as a highlight of their summer. These are comments that were made after a recent program:

"If you want to be a litigator, you'll have fun and learn how it all comes together. If you don't want to be a litigator, you will gain an invaluable experience in public speaking and persuasion."

"I was delighted with TAP. We all put in a lot of work, and I think we all felt like we got a lot out of it at the end. It was a positive influence especially for considering a future in litigation."

"There are very few opportunities to learn and practice litigation skills before entering the practice of law. This program also helps participants understand their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and personal style."

"I particularly enjoyed getting involved with the details of the case and preparing our theory of the case and developing the theme. I also enjoyed the opportunity to work on my public speaking skills."