How to Succeed as a Summer AssociateWhat You Need to Know

How to Succeed as a Summer AssociateWhat You Need to KnowHow to Succeed as a Summer Associate- What You Need to KnowThis week, an incredible panel of experts provided us with insider advice on how to succeed as a summer associate. Our panelists- Donna Gerson, a business etiquette expert, Wendy Siegel, Director of Recruitment and Marketing at NYU Law, and Charlotte Wager, Chief Talent Officer of Jenner Block- answered some of the most common (and difficult) questions summer associates have.For example, did you know thatThe most important question you should ask when meeting with a partner or associate about a new assignment is what the expected deliverable is. If the assigning partner is expecting a five-page memo and you produce a bulleted email, she wont be pleased. At the same time, if an urgent research question has come up and you spend a week doing exhaustive research, that also wont be appreciated.At a law firm, when youre asked for a draft, it means something completely diffe rent than what you might expect. If a partner asks for a draft, he wants something fully proofread and edited, in final format. The best way to think about this is that your best written work as a summer associate- no matter how good- will be a draft or starting point for the partner, who will edit it as he or she sees fit. Unless you are given specific orders to do so- such as in an emergency where an answer is needed within an hour- you should never send a rough, unedited version of your work product to a senior attorney.In general, you should avoid checking your work-issued blackberry (and certainly your personal phone) at meetings and even at firm-sponsored social events.If a firm has hired you as a summer associate, the partners and recruiting staff want you to succeed They are investing in you because they think you would be a great plus-rechnen to the firm. If something isnt going well, it is essential to communicate your concerns with your mentor, supervisor or someone on th e recruiting team as soon as possible.If you didnt have the chance to join us on Wednesday, you can listen to the full version of the panel online here https//www1.gotomeeting.com/register/892414424. There are many more great answers to some of your most common questions. Be sure to check it outRachel Marx, Law EditorCONNECT WITH VAULT LAW ON TWITTER VaultLaw