What materials should I submit to be considered for a summer associate position?
SHB requires that you submit a résumé and transcript. The submission of a writing sample is optional but may be requested. Make sure that the contact information is current, including your present phone number and e-mail address.
What is a typical callback interview at SHB?
Callback interviews begin with dinner prior to the day that the interviews take place. This provides candidates with an opportunity to relax and spend quality time with SHB attorneys. The interviews begin the following morning with each interview lasting approximately 30 minutes. A candidate can expect to meet with twelve to fourteen attorneys from various practice groups, which will take approximately a half-day.
How long will it be before I hear from SHB?
The Search Committee makes every effort to contact candidates soon after the callback interview. This committee meets every week during fall recruiting, so the waiting time is usually minimal.
How long will I have to respond to my offer?
SHB adheres to the NALP offer guidelines extended to law students for summer and post-graduation positions. Pursuant to the rules, offers to summer associate candidates will remain open for at least 45 days following the date of the offer letter or until December 30, whichever comes first.
Can I split my summer with another firm?
Splitting summers is permissible for summer associates who were previously employed at the firm as a 1L summer associate. Previously employed summer associates may spend either the first half or the second half of the summer at SHB. We do require, however, that they spend a minimum of six weeks with us.
What types of training programs are available to summer associates?
We expose summer associates to multiple training opportunities, which are organized through the Professional Development Department. We offer, for example, a writing workshop, a negotiation program, an in-house trial practice program and a multitude of interesting lectures and presentations. Summer associates are also encouraged to attend any other training classes sponsored by the firm, which may be of interest.
Can I work in several different practice areas over the summer?
As a summer associate, we do not expect you to know what area of law you wish to practice. It is our belief that exposure to many areas will assist you in making that decision. To that end, we allow our summer associates to choose their own assignments from all represented practice areas. If there is a specific area of law in which you have interest, the firm will make every effort to ensure that you have the opportunity to complete many related assignments within that area.
What does a summer associate need to accomplish in order to receive an offer of employment?
We look for summer associates who demonstrate initiative and interest in our practice and who wish to practice law at SHB. We require summer associates to submit a work product demonstrating their excellent written, analytical and organizational skills. They will receive feedback on their work from SHB attorneys. Of equal importance is that a summer associate maintains a notable academic record and is a true team player.
To see our current summer associate openings, please click here.
