Chicago Summer Program
Summer Program in Chicago
Our Summer Program is a fantastic way to find out what a career in law looks like.
You’ll be involved with actual client matters, providing you with an invaluable real-world experience of legal work. And you’ll have plenty of opportunities to observe or participate in closings, document drafting, client conferences and negotiation sessions. Working alongside our talented teams allows summer associates to experience our ‘one-firm’ global culture, explore different practice areas, and work with a variety of lawyers.
In the Summer Program, you’ll work on the topics that interest you. Rather than assigning you to work with a specific lawyer, we’ll assign you work based on your preferences and you’ll also be encouraged to seek work informally by meeting with partners and associates from practice areas that you want to learn more about. Exploring different practice areas is a valuable exercise and will help you establish where your interests lie.
We do everything we can to make our Summer Program as useful as possible. To accomplish this, we provide you with personalized performance feedback, connect you to a network of advisors from every practice area, and give you access to formal training programs.
To help you navigate the ins and outs of Mayer Brown, each summer associate is paired with two advisors: one partner and one associate. Advisors provide one-on-one guidance and will help you navigate the ins and outs of law firm life. They will also ensure that you get the chance to work with a variety of lawyers and make sure your time here represents a realistic perspective of the work performed by new associates.
Our Summer Program is only the first step. Impress us with your performance and you could be invited back to participate in our First-Year Associate Program.
Your Development
The Summer Program is a chance to gain valuable experience and build your network at the same time. Each practice area gives presentations about its work, and our lawyers host practice area breakfasts, luncheons, seminars and social events, so you’ll have a chance to discuss deals and transactions with the people who are directly responsible for them.
As a summer associate, you will learn about firm committees and firm economics, and participate in a negotiation skills workshop and a legal writing workshop. Beyond your day-to-day work, you will also be introduced to our pro bono program, where you will receive hands-on training in a variety of litigation and transactional matters.
Perks
We have an on-site cafeteria that offers healthy options for meals and a patisserie, which provides refreshments and on-the-go lunch options throughout the day. We also have a fitness center in our building that frequently offers membership promotions to tenants.