Horst Krekstein & Runyon LLC’s Post

Hard to believe that law firm recruiting season is just around the corner! If you are a law student or know one, this series of tips and information about BigLaw recruiting process is a great place to start! Please share with the law students in your life!

Once considered among the highest end of high-end summer gigs, the position of “Summer Associate” is apparently a dying art at today’s law firms, with recruitment for said position reaching the lowest point in more than a decade. Offers to law student interviewees were down almost 20% from last year alone. What is causing this shift, and what can recruiters in other high-wage industries take away from it?

Once considered among the highest end of high-end summer gigs, the position of “Summer Associate” is apparently a dying art at today’s law firms, with recruitment for said position reaching the lowest point in more than a decade. Offers to law student interviewees were down almost 20% from last year alone. What is causing this shift, and what can recruiters in other high-wage industries take away from it?

Is this the next evolution of BigLaw recruiting, or a form of "dirty rush?" When I was a 1L, I didn't know crap about what I wanted to do with my legal career, and I suspect this will lead to many 1Ls and 2Ls making rash decisions simply to secure a BigLaw job (and BigLaw $$$) after graduation. Those who will make the most informed decisions at such an early stage will be those with BigLaw lawyers in their "friends and family" network who can pave the way for them (read: the more privileged among us). We aren't *yet* seeing this trend bleed over into overseas practice groups (e.g., Asia BigLaw, where incoming first-year classes are small), but the same advice we give to law students with an eye on Asia can now apply to everyone - get in touch with a recruiter early who can help guide you toward the right practice groups and firms that align with your interests and goals.

Summer Associates! They're everywhere! It's time for 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞. Law firms that have summer associates have a golden opportunity to have a monumental impact on these young lawyers' careers. It's not just about exposure to interesting cases. It's not just about donning suits and recording time. And it's not just about the cool social events (although this is a big bonus). If firms want to impress these law students in the hopes of eventually hiring them, they need to have 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 is about what it's like to be a private practice attorney. This is generally not found in the syllabus at most law schools, and as practicing lawyer will tell you, it's essential information. What should 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 entail? ➡ Firm structure and roles ➡ How the firm makes money ➡ Billing hygiene ➡ How to advocate for oneself and ask for help ➡ Executive presence ➡ Proper business communication protocols ➡ Internal networking ➡ Understanding the WHY behind the firm vision ➡ Understanding what clients want and need ➡ How to think like a trusted advisor ➡ Quantifying, conveying, and delivering value Firms that start investing in future leaders at the summer associate stage will reap the benefits for decades, if not longer. #lawfirms #law #summerassociates #legalrecruiting #management

Our Summer Associates are here!! Check out the video below to learn a little bit about this year's group!

It has been such an honor to intern at Cate & Brough law firm these past two weeks. Attorneys Rachel Brough, Christopher Brough, and Grace Meadows have gone above and beyond to ensure my time spent interning was well worth my while. I was granted the experience of viewing multiple court hearings, mediations, and client consults. Above all, I had qualified attorneys and paralegals teach me countless lessons I will carry with me throughout my future career. #lawfirm #lawinternship #attorneyatlaw

Driven by a deep respect for criminal attorneys, my internship at the public defender's office opened my eyes to the gravity of their work. The weight of a client's future kept me up at night, illustrating the immense responsibility we carry. #LawyerLife #CriminalJustice #ClientCommitment #caraccidents #lawyer #Florida #Injurylaw

Curious about the differences between a 1L Judicial Externship and a 1L Diversity Summer Associate position?  Join our forum discussion to gain insights and make informed decisions about your legal career path. https://lnkd.in/eBDdYwWe #LawStudents #LegalInternships

Today, we conclude our 8-week summer associate program and bid farewell to Sofia, Savannah, and Peter. We wish them the best in their legal careers and hope our paths cross again. To learn more about Groom's summer program, click here: https://bit.ly/3VrfONV #legalcareers #summerassociates #lawstudents