Careers

Summer Associate Program

Because we are a mid-sized firm with a complex book of business, our summer associates (like our junior associates) must be prepared to bring value to substantial, challenging matters. Summer associates are asked to aid partners and associates with research and writing assignments that are critical to the success of our cases. Invariably, our greatest needs are research and analysis; thus, a summer associate’s greatest value is in these same areas. As you develop these skills during the summer, we expect you to be capable of drafting motions, briefs, and other documents that the attorneys are able to refine and file with the court. Our summer associates are vital to the work we do. We expect them to be part of a team working together to meet the goals and expectations of our clients.

All of our attorneys are litigators, but we have a varied practice with partners and associates who have varied styles. We believe it is essential to the summer associate experience that all candidates work with a wide variety of attorneys on an equally wide variety of issues.

Each summer associate is assigned a mentor (usually a member of the Recruiting Committee). The mentor is responsible for guiding you through your summer at Zelle Hofmann. Your mentor will answer questions, review your drafts, provide advice and suggestions, and help to make certain your experience at the firm is challenging, comfortable, and fun.

As the summer progresses, not only will we provide you with increasingly challenging assignments and expect you to produce valuable work, we will also seek out opportunities for you to see the more exciting aspects of litigation. All of our attorneys are asked to invite summer associates to take part in various stages of advocacy: strategy sessions, client meetings, depositions, and hearings. Sometimes these invitations involve travel. Through these experiences you will learn more about the practice of law and develop a better sense of what life is like as a Zelle Hofmann attorney.

Finally, we expect our summer associates to have fun. The practice of law is a great personal challenge, particularly in the area of litigation, and we believe we need the support of one another to make it an enjoyable endeavor. We believe that our partners and associates will best get to know you (and you will best get to know them) through experiences outside the office. Through lunches, social time after work, parties and dinners at the attorneys’ homes, sporting events, and other fun activities, you will get to know the people who make Zelle Hofmann a unique, engaging, and inviting place to work.

The Recruiting Process

In August we assess our summer associate needs for the following summer and establish a target number of summer clerks. Given the relatively small number of positions, as well as the nature of the work we do, we are extremely selective. We limit our search to candidates that are interested in litigation, and we focus our efforts on those who have a proven record of academic achievement and an extra-curricular or employment background that demonstrates creativity, drive, and passion.

As litigators, we value those applicants who have outstanding verbal skills and present themselves effectively in person. As a result, interviews are an important part of the process. We also need lawyers with superlative writing skills that allow them to convey complicated arguments to the courts in a compelling manner.

If you are a first or second year student interested in a clerkship, you may submit a resume and cover letter requesting an interview. We will quickly respond to every inquiry received.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many hours will I be expected to work?

Summer Associates do not have a billable hour requirement, and we do not expect you to be workhorses during your time with us. We do, however, want the experience to be realistic. At the end of the summer, we want to know what can be expected from you as an associate, and we want you to know what you can expect from us as a firm. Your typical day will be approximately nine to five. If a case demands it, you may occasionally work with the attorneys beyond normal business hours, staying late on a weeknight or coming to the office on a weekend. Those instances will be rare, but they are important because they give you valuable insight into the demands of the profession.

What does the firm pay summer associates?

Our summer salaries are revised each year and are competitive in each of our markets.

What sort of office arrangements will I have?

Your office arrangements will mirror those of an associate at the firm. Each summer associate is given a private office with an outside view. You will have a desktop computer in your office and access to a laptop computer if you need one. You will receive training on the computer and all other office systems.

How long is the summer program?

We would like you to start in late May or early June and stay with us until sometime in August, but the start and end dates are largely up to you. A typical summer stay is 12 weeks, but the length is negotiable.

What is the dress code?

We have a "business casual" dress code throughout the year.

At the end of the summer, when will you let me know if I am being offered a position as an associate?

Immediately following the departure of the summer associates, we gather input from all attorneys in the office and make the hiring decisions. Our goal is to contact you with a decision by early September.

How many of your summer associates actually receive offers?

Since 1995, we have offered associate positions to approximately 80% of our second year clerks.

What if I have additional questions?

If you would like to be a candidate for our summer program, please contact the Recruiting Partner for the office in which you are interested.

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