Work Assignments | Training | Benefits & Compensation
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Work Assignments
The summer program exposes law students to the day-to-day activities of practicing lawyers. We don't use a rotation system or assign students to particular attorneys. Instead, summer associates receive assignments based on their expressed preferences either through a work assignment partner, by selecting projects from our online assignment database, or by using our free-market system. We encourage summer associates to seek work informally by meeting partners and associates with whom they have a shared interest. Summer projects involve actual client matters which provide invaluable hands-on experience, and there are frequent opportunities to observe or participate in court proceedings, depositions, closings, client conferences, and negotiation sessions. This multi-faceted approach leaves room for summer associates to explore different areas as well as work with a variety of lawyers.
Through our summer associate advisor program, each summer associate is paired with both partner and associate advisors. Advisors provide one-on-one guidance for summer associates and help them navigate the ins and outs of law firm life. They also help ensure that summer associates work with a variety of lawyers on projects geared to providing them with a realistic perspective of the work performed by entering associates.
Each summer associate also receives one-on-one coaching from our "Dean of Associates" throughout the summer. During these meetings, we discuss topics including work assignment choices, practice area selection, how to maximize the summer associate experience, and other firm matters.
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Training
Flexibility in the assignment process, informal and formal performance feedback, a network of accessible advisors from every practice area, and formal training programs all contribute to a highly customized program that offers a broad array of opportunities for the individual growth and development of our summer associates. Our lawyers host practice area breakfasts, luncheons, seminars and social events. Each practice area gives a presentation on its group and invites the summer associates to regular group meetings and training sessions. The summer associates also meet as a group on a weekly basis to learn about firm committees, firm economics and other topics. During the summer of 2012, summer associates participated in, among other sessions, a mock deposition program featuring our partners as judges and associates as witnesses, a day-long negotiation skills workshop, and a half-day legal writing workshop. Finally, the firm's pro bono program, led by Marc Kadish, our Director of Pro Bono Activities, offers hands-on training for summer associates on a variety of litigation and transactional matters.
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Benefits & Compensation
Compensation
The 2012 summer associate salary is $3,077 per week.
Administrative Support
Summer associates have their own office, have assigned secretaries, and have their own computers with access to word processing, email, Lexis, Westlaw, and the Internet. Our office runs a 24-hour word processing, reproduction, proofreading and telecommunications operation with the capacity to assist our lawyers at any time seven days a week.
Perks
Mayer Brown enjoys business casual attire year-round (although lawyers are required to keep an outfit of traditional business attire in the office for unplanned meetings and court appearances). Our on-site cafeteria provides convenient and healthy options for meals and operates from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the adjacent patisserie offers coffee, tea, snacks and on-the-go lunch options throughout the day. We also have a fitness center in the building which frequently offers special membership promotions to building tenants.
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Photo Gallery
Click on the links below to view a PDF slideshow of the event.
Nellcôte, July 25
Riggergut Wine Bar, July 18
Kayaking on the Chicago River, July 12
Eastland at the Lookingglass Theatre, June 28
Craft Beer Tour, June 21
Cubs Game, June 14
Advisor's Dinner, June 7
Welcome Reception, May 31
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Archives
Browse through the selection of slide shows to view the variety of Summer Program activities.
Summer 2011
Closing Lunch, July 29
Columbia Yacht Club, July 21
Steppenwolf Theatre and Reception, July 14
Segway Tour and Fireworks Show, July 6
Watchel's Pig-Fest, June 29
Mayer Masters Tournament, June 22
Cubs Game, June 16
Chicago Pizza Tour, June 8
Advisors Dinner, June 2
Welcome Reception, May 25
Summer 2010
Market Closing Lunch, July 30
Closing Lunch with Advisors at Elate, July 28
Chicago's Fair Lady Boat Cruise, July 22
Barbeque hosted by Jon Van Gorp and Brad Keck, July 17
Steppenwolf Event, July 8
Bottles & Brushes, June 24
Cubs Game, June 18
The Gage, June 9
Summer Associates and Advisors Dinner at Boka, June 3
Welcome Reception at The Tower Club, May 30
Summer 2009
Closing Party at Beat Kitchen, July 23
Karaoke at Alcock's, July 20
Mayer at the Movies and Oscar Party, July 16
Scavenger Hunt, July 9
Sox Game, June 25
Cooking Class at Chopping Block, June 11
Advisor Dinner at Graham Elliott, June 4
Welcome Reception at Primitive, May 21
Summer 2008
Farewell Reception at the Ivy Room
Evening on the Beach
Beer Tasting
Scavenger Hunt
WhirlyBall
The Terrace at the Conrad Hotel
Dinner at the River East Arts Center
Cubs Game
Welcome Reception
Summer 2007
Welcome Reception
Cubs Game
Spiaggia
White Sox v. Marlins Game
"Do it Yourself" WhirlyBall
US Summer Associate Event
Scavenger Hunt
Delilah's
Lookingglass Alice
Summer 2006
Attorney Advisor Dinner
Welcome Reception
The Mullen Regatta
White Sox Game
Scavenger Hunt
MayerLympics
Concert at Elbo Room
Summer Associate Farewell
Summer 2005
Attorney Advisor Dinners
Segway Tour
Welcome Party
Crosstown Classic
Chicago River Kayak Tour
The 62nd Annual Scavenger Hunt
The Mullen 500
Concert at Schuba's
Summer 2004
Welcome Reception at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Cubs v. Sox
The Mullen Classic
The River Tour
Scavenger Hunt
The Hideout
Farewell Reception
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