Law Students

Steptoe & Johnson’s summer associate program is designed for both first and second-year law students and the firm hires about 15 to 25 associates each summer. The summer program will begin on or around mid-May and will conclude in late July each year.

Experience has shown the firm that the summer program works best for both the firm and the students when associates are not restricted to a particular area of practice. The firm, therefore, designs the program to expose associates to different practice areas throughout the summer. Summer associates also can expect to participate in various types of legal projects, such as assisting attorneys with trial preparation and witness interviews, drafting motions and pleadings, preparing written discovery, and crafting technical legal documents.

Naturally, legal research and writing will be a substantial portion of the experience, but just as the firm’s lawyers do not spend all of their time in the library, neither do the summer associates. One of the philosophies behind the summer program is that associates should come away with a better understanding of what the practice of law really entails on a day-to-day basis. The firm makes a conscientious effort to expand the experience to include attendance at depositions, trials, client conferences, motion hearings, mediation sessions, real estate or commercial transaction closings, and other events of practical interest.

Although Steptoe & Johnson expects summer associates to be self-motivated and exercise independent judgment as much as possible in completing assignments, firm lawyers encourage associates to consult freely with their supervising attorneys and mentor. Over the course of the summer, the firm’s professional and social environments provide associates with the opportunities they need to get to know Steptoe & Johnson PLLC and become acquainted with the surrounding community.