How To Turn Your Summer Associate Position Into An Offer

How To Turn Your Summer Associate Position Into An Offer

If you thought that landing a summer associate position was the tough part, think again! While law school is filled with challenges, having a full-time offer upon graduation ranks among the most difficult to accomplish. A common method for successfully graduating with an employment offer is through the summer associate route. To attain this, an employer interviews you during the 2L academic year, offers you a summer position, and then hopefully likes you. If they are satisfied with your performance at the end of 2L summer, you get the golden ticket: A full-time job offer.

This article is focused on increasing the chances of you converting your summer associate position into an offer. From tips to increase your likeability to strategies designed with job performance in mind. Here are our top five tips to turn your summer associate position into a full-time offer!

How To Turn Your Summer Associate Position Into An Offer

#1 Always Have A Positive Attitude

You’ve heard the phrase before and we’re going to tell it to you again. Attitude is everything. Just like you impressed on the initial job interview, one of your summer goals should be to continue impressing. One of the easiest ways to do this is by maintaining an upbeat attitude…even if things aren’t going your way. For example, always make sure to greet everyone and smile occasionally. Job performance is one thing, but you’re doomed if people don’t like working with you. Accurately gauging the company culture and effortlessly fitting in will do miracles for your potential offer probabilities.

#2 Don’t Be Afraid To Socialize

It’s more than likely that your employer will host some sort of social gathering throughout your summer associate role. These may be designed to welcome new summer associates and get them familiar with the firm or company. They may also be more general in nature and just a way to make summer associates feel included. Either way, take advantage of every opportunity to socialize. These are an easy excuse for partners and/or associates to get to know you on a deeper level. The partners and associates will observe how you interact with others and how you hold yourself.

However, be careful if alcohol is involved. We’ve heard one too many stories of a summer associate blowing it by getting intoxicated at a company mixer. Monitor how much alcohol you consume and be careful not to overdo it. If you need a hard rule to keep yourself in line, stick to one or two drinks before switching to water or soda.

#3 Manage Expectations and Communicate

As a summer associate, you will be given a variety of different assignments that are due at different times. The partners or associates feeding you work understand that you aren’t an attorney yet, so take advantage of that fact. For example, always ask for clarification or help on an assignment that you don’t understand. In addition, don’t be afraid to clarify deadlines or ask for advice on how to manage deadlines. The last thing your colleagues want is for you to be overworked and end up failing to meet deadlines. Clearly communicating your thoughts will make for a more positive work experience for everyone.

#4 Polish Your Work Product

Do not be fooled. You were offered a summer associate position because the employer thinks that you can contribute meaningfully to their goals. What does that translate into? Your summer associate employer thinks you have what it takes to work for them but just wants to be sure. In order to convince them, make sure that you always present a polished work product that reflects your best efforts. If a colleague asks for a “rough draft,” don’t mistake that terminology to mean a “rough draft.” It should be a fairly finished draft from you to serve as a rough draft for the partner. Again, nobody expects you to rewrite the law but always make sure to put your best foot forward.

#5 Look The Part

Just as you polish your work product, make sure to take time and ensure that your appearance is similarly refined. The easiest way to do this is to simply take a look at what your colleagues are sporting. If well-tailored suits are the norm, invest in a suit. If business casual is what appears to be required, don’t show up in a three-piece suit every day. Again, the goal is to effortlessly and seamlessly fit into the company culture. If you’re ever not sure about an outfit, we suggest going the conservative route.

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