Q: How long is the Summer Associate Program?
A: Typically, the Carlton Fields Summer Associate program starts in mid-May and ends in early August.
Q: How many summer associates are hired on an annual basis?
A: The number of summer associates hired varies by office and calendar year needs.
Q: Is “splitting” between Carlton Fields and another firm permitted?
A: Generally, we allow summer associates to split their summers with another law firm; however, we require that they spend at least eight weeks with Carlton Fields before clerking elsewhere.
Q: What is unique about Carlton Fields' Summer Associate Program?
A: Carlton Fields summer associates work with attorneys from all levels, including attorneys with over 30 years of experience such as Reece Smith and Sylvia Walbolt. Unlike most summer associate programs, Carlton Fields encourages summer associates to participate in the firm’s pro bono initiatives and programs with local legal aid societies. Additionally, there are opportunities for summer associates to become involved in Bar, civic, and community activities.
Q: How is work distributed?
A: All work assignments are collected and distributed by the Summer Associate Program Coordinator. The Coordinator will assign projects based on the summer associates’ current workload and practice interests. The goal is to expose summer associates to multiple practice areas and attorneys.
Q: Is there a formal practice group rotation for summer associates?
A: No. Summer associates are asked to identify a few areas of interest prior to their arrival so that mentors and work projects in practice areas of interest can be assigned. Summer associates are free to work in as many different areas as they choose.
Q: Do summer associates have a mentor?
A: Yes. Each summer associate has a shareholder mentor and an associate mentor. Associate mentors help integrate the summer associate into the firm, and the city, both professionally and socially. The shareholder mentor provides performance feedback, as well as informal advice.
Q: Are observational opportunities available to summer associates?
A: Yes. Summer associates observe and participate, when appropriate, in all aspects of the firm’s practice, whether in the office, at the closing table, or in the courtroom. In addition, summer associates participate in tours with judges of the State and Federal Courthouses.
Q: What types of training do summer associates receive?
A: Our summer associates will develop and refine their skills through on-the-job experience supplemented by formal programs. As part of this training process, the following presentations and workshops are available throughout the summer:
- Legal Writing Skills & Strategies
- Pro Bono Workshop
- Legal Research Training
- Legal Technology Training
- Timekeeping & Billing
- Client Focus Program
- Mediation and Negotiation Skills
- Backpacks to Briefcases
- Law Firm Economics
- Client site tours & courthouse tours
Q: How do summer associates receive feedback?
A: Each summer associate’s work is reviewed on an on-going basis, and formal reviews are conducted by his or her shareholder mentor midway through the summer and at the end of the summer. After the completion of each work assignment, the supervising attorney provides an evaluation of the summer associate’s performance, which is discussed directly with the summer associate.
Q: Do summer associates receive compensation?
A: Yes. For more information, see NALP forms below:
Q: Does Carlton Fields reimburse summer associates for travel expenses?
A: Yes. If a summer associate attends a law school outside of the city in which he or she will be working, Carlton Fields will pay for the travel expenses associated with moving to and from the city of employment at the beginning and end of the summer.
Q: Will Carlton Fields assist with arranging for summer housing?
A: Yes. The Summer Program Coordinator will assist those from out of town with making summer housing arrangements.
Q: What is the dress code policy at Carlton Fields?
A: All of our offices adhere to a business casual dress code so that all employees have the opportunity to dress comfortably yet professionally while at work.
Q: What are the chances for receiving an offer to join the firm as an associate after I graduate?
A: Carlton Fields has a goal to extend an offer to every summer associate who demonstrates that he or she performs at a level commensurate with an entry level associate.
For additional information about our Summer Associate Program, please contact recruiting@carltonfields.com.