Summer Associate Program

Real Experience

The Summer Program at AV&H combines firsthand experience with broad exposure to each of the firm’s elite-level practices.  Following orientation, Summer Associates are immediately engaged in and challenged by active work projects, to the greatest extent possible the same types of assignments as our First-Years receive.  This work typically entails informal interaction with many of the country’s top-practitioners in antitrust, intellectual property law and litigation; involvement in high-level strategy meetings, court appearances and depositions; and includes substantive research, drafting of parts of briefs and writing assignments. 

Practical Training

During their Summer with AV&H, Associates attend internal meetings and seminars to familiarize them with the lawyers, clients and range of projects that comprise each practice focus within the firm.  In addition, both AV&H attorneys and outside professionals provide interactive training in such topics as legal writing skills and how to effectively utilize firm resources and support services.  As is the case with each hands-on work assignment, all training experiences emphasize “learning by doing” and serve to enhance opportunities for Summer Associates to develop, exercise and build confidence in their lawyering skills.

Mentoring and Feedback

Each Summer Associate is assigned a Partner and Associate Mentor, who are available to help prioritize assignments, act as a sounding board for experience and are involved with formal mid- and end-of-summer reviews.  Assignments are made by a Senior Attorney who is familiar with client projects, as well as the interests of the Summer Associates. 

Summer Associate Life

AV&H combines the prestige of a  large firm with the informal atmosphere of a smaller one.  We enjoy each other’s company, and our Summer Associates are invited to join events such as our annual bike tour, wine-tastings, theater outings and cooking classes, among others.