Deciding where to start your career is a big decision. Balance real work with training and networking to see what your career at Dentons could look like. Our eight-week Summer Associate Program will give you, and us, an insight into whether we’re a good match.
Structure
We fully immerse our Summer Associates in the Firm to provide a realistic picture of what being a Dentons lawyer is like. Our smaller, focused class size allows for a more personalized, tailored experience. In most cases, you will be assigned to a specific practice group based on your interests. You will work side-by-side with our attorneys and get involved with actual client matters. And you’ll have plenty of opportunities to observe or participate in wide arrange of assignments such as legal research, document drafting, closings, client conferences and much more. Summer Associates are also encouraged to, and frequently do, participate in a wide range of pro bono matters.
“Dentons’s unique environment provided an individualized summer, allowing me to maximize my hands-on learning.”
– Lucy McAfee, 2022 Louisville Summer Associate
Training & development
We’ve designed our summer program to provide you with the tools you need to succeed. In addition to a robust orientation, we offer practical and substantive training in areas such as legal writing, ethics and oral communication. You’ll also have access to our full slate of practice group and business skills training sessions. As a Summer Associate, you will receive formal reviews twice over the course of the program and regular constructive feedback directly from the lawyers with whom you work. Summer Associates are paired with mentors who provide guidance and advice throughout the summer.
“Dentons offers ample experience to learn from experienced attorneys who are approachable and willing to assist you in laying the foundation for a fulfilling career.”
– Alexis Thurston, 2021 Pittsburgh Summer Associate
Networking
It’s never too early to start growing your network. During our Summer Associate Program, you’ll make contacts that could be key to building your career. You’ll meet a variety of lawyers through formal networking sessions and social events. Through these outings, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know the Firm and our lawyers better, in addition to having a lot of fun.
“With a large, inter-connected network of resources, someone always had an answer to my questions – no matter where they are located. This is something that makes Dentons very special.”
– Alana Gutierrez, 2022 Atlanta Summer Associate
What we’re looking for
There is no typical candidate for our Summer Associate Program. We look for bright, innovative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We want to see a strong record of academic success and extracurricular achievement. It’s equally important that our Summer Associates can work well in a team and have the drive and willingness to take on significant responsibilities
“The Summer Associate Program at Dentons offered an ample experience to learn from a multitude of attorneys in an array of practices throughout the country, allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my mentors, and afforded the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking, interesting work.“