Lauren Hosler, Stoel Rives
How did you learn about the position? Through PDO.
How did you apply and what was the application process like? I applied directly to the firm and all my contact was directly with them. The application process was fairly simple, with 1 half day interview at the firm.
What was a typical day or week at your position like? Stoel really treats their summer associates like associates with very little direct oversight, but lots of people available if I needed anything. I was responsible for getting my own work, which was a little tough in the beginning, but after I’d done a few assignments, those attorneys typically came back to me with assignments fairly regularly. My day was spent researching or writing to complete whatever projects I had at the time, and I typically went to lunch with other attorneys 1-2 times per week. I also had the opportunity to attend hearings and depositions. These opportunities were made available to me, and I decided based on my workload if I had time to attend them.
What was the coolest part about the position? The people I worked with were amazing, which made the summer great, and getting to attend outside the office stuff, e.g., hearings, depositions.
What did you gain from the experience? Sharpened research skills, improved writing skills, greater knowledge of civil procedure.
What advice would you offer future applicants? Be nice to your fellow students, you never know when you might end up working with them or needing them to say nice things about you to help you get the job. Talk to other students that have been at the firm if there are any. This will give you key talking points for the interview process.
Vivianne Mbaku, Richards Brandt Miller & Nelson
How did you learn about the position? I found out about my position from an email Anneliese sent out maybe 2 weeks after the end of spring semester.
How did you apply and what was the application process like? I sent in my resume, transcript, and a cover letter.
What was a typical day or week at your position like? I worked at the firm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I arrived around 8 or 8.30, and started working on projects from the day before or went around to look for new assignments. Almost every week I went to hearings, interviews with clients, trials etc. I was always getting new experiences and I was never bored.
What was the coolest part about the position? Getting to work with a lot of really cool lawyers on all types of law. I never thought I would be interested in criminal defense, but after all of the exposure I received this summer I found I really liked it. Also being trusted to write motions etc, I got a lot of great feedback on my writing and research and I really appreciated the input from every attorney I worked with.
What did you gain from the experience? I definitely gained more confidence in my legal skills and I was able to work in several different types of law that I otherwise would not have been exposed to.
What advice would you offer future applicants? Just be yourself—that is truly what they value.
Mirela Omeragic, Strong & Hanni
How did you learn about the position? I learned about the position through Symplicity in the Spring of 2010.
How did you apply and what was the application process like? I submitted my resume, cover letter, and statement of interest through Symplicity. The application process was quite simple, and the only difference was that I had to explain how I am diverse and how I will bring diversity to Strong & Hanni.
What was a typical day or week at your position like? I worked full time this summer. My schedule was very flexible and I could come to work whenever, and leave whenever, as long as the assignments were completed on time. I did work a few weekends but that is because I choose to do so. I was able to take a couple of mini vacations during the summer because they understood that we needed some time off for ourselves as well.
What was the coolest part about the position? The coolest part about the position was that I got to work with different attorneys, on different projects and areas of law. So one day I could be working on an insurance matter, and the next day on a divorce matter.
What did you gain from the experience? I learned a great deal this summer. Besides learning how to draft memos, deposition summaries, negotiation and arbitration briefs, I also understood what it feels like working in a firm and what kind of time commitment it takes to be a successful attorney.
What advice would you offer future applicants? Advice for future applicants: Be yourself during the interview, do not give generic responses during the interview, smile, be friendly, interact with the people in the room, ask questions, be confident but not arrogant and try to make yourself stand out as much as possible (showcase your unique abilities).