Summer Program

Day Pitney’s primary source of recruiting new lawyers is through the summer associate program. Our summer program is the ideal environment for law students who are seeking a hands-on experience in a dynamic and diverse law practice.

Face-to-Face with Clients
Our summer program offers a clear, accurate view of life as a lawyer. Summer associates often accompany partners and associates to “live” events outside the office, including business negotiations, trials, hearings, depositions, and closings of major financial and real estate transactions. Summer associates also develop their core legal research skills by drafting documents, interacting with clients and opposing counsel, and working on pro bono matters.

Work Assignments and Feedback
Summer work assignments are arranged with two goals in mind. First, we try to provide assignments and opportunities that complement the summer associate’s strengths and interests. Second, we expose summer associates to a broad set of the firm’s practice groups and acquaint them with our diverse teams of attorneys. This “practice-plus” approach ensures an intense and comprehensive summer experience that mirrors Day Pitney’s overall focus on marshalling the best resources for every client matter.

Our Director of Professional Development and Diversity works with the Hiring Committee and Coordinators in our Boston, Hartford, Stamford, New York, and Florham Park offices to ensure that each summer associate receives a variety of challenging assignments. Attorneys from throughout the firm can submit trial or business assignments to a central coordinator who, in turn, distributes assignments based on the summer associates’ interests and current workload.

Hiring Committee members provide formal feedback through an in-depth review at the middle and end of the summer. Summer associates also receive feedback on work product throughout the summer from assigning attorneys.

Education
Day Pitney summer associates are encouraged to attend departmental and practice group meetings throughout the summer. They are also invited to attend structured in-house educational programs on topics such as legal writing, oral communication skills, and etiquette.

Mentors and Guides
Summer associates are matched with a partner and an associate mentor.  These mentors provide insights into the firm, guidance regarding work assignments, and work advice throughout the summer.

Getting to Know Day Pitney
The Day Pitney summer program balances a real-world work experience with social activities that illuminate the cultural and recreational attractions that enhance life in the places where we practice.  More importantly, through these activities our summer associates get to know our lawyers outside the work environment, gaining a firsthand look at life as a member of the Day Pitney family.