I was very involved in the summer program at my former accounting firm. I assigned work, gave evaluations, and led tax preparation trainings for interns in different practice groups. Just last year I was a tax professional mentoring others; now I am a student being mentored.
Having been on the other side of things, I can see how Bilzin Sumberg designs its summer program with intentionality. Most of the posts on this blog are about the events that each practice group has taken us to this summer, but the events are more than just a fun night out with food and drinks. The real value is that the events are a topic of conversation between summer associates and attorneys throughout the summer, in hallways and at lunches, that helps us build relationships with each other.
Summer associates are also encouraged to take at least one assignment outside of their area of interest during the summer. This isn’t to convince us to switch to another practice area, but it’s to meet and build connections with all attorneys at the firm. To the other transactional-minded summer associates reading this blog, I promise that litigation assignments aren’t as scary as they sound!
The summer program is ending in a few days, and I’m very thankful to the recruiting team for designing a program that integrates us summer associates so well into the firm. Swapping my window office overlooking Brickell for a cubicle on the second floor of my school library will be a tough trade to make when I return to campus in a few weeks, but it will be comforting to remember that I’ll be returning to Bilzin Sumberg next summer. And to the law students who will be joining us as summer associates next year- we look forward to meeting and working with you!