The Akerman Summer Associate program offers top law students a focused, practice-driven introduction to a major Am Law firm. Participants dive into real client matters while building attorney relationships that shape their early career trajectory.
Designed for high-achieving students, the program blends substantive legal work, firmwide networking, and structured professional development. This overview highlights how the experience positions associates for long term growth within and beyond Akerman.
Program Structure at a Glance
The following table summarizes core features of the Akerman Summer Associate program, including focus areas, schedule, and evaluation criteria.
| Category | Detail | Typical Duration | Outcome for Associates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice Track | Corporate, Litigation, Real Estate, or Tax | 10–11 weeks | Focused skill building in chosen specialty |
| Weekly Assignments | Memos, filings, due diligence, client notes | Ongoing, weekly deliverables | Tangible portfolio pieces |
| Formal Training | Workshops, practice group panels, tech tools | 2–3 sessions per week | Ready for supervised responsibility faster |
| Attorney Sponsorship | partners and counsel assigned to each associateEntire summer | Direct mentorship and career guidance |
Daily Work in Practice Groups
Summer associates rotate through assigned practice groups, gaining experience that mirrors first year associate responsibilities. Each day involves drafting, research, and client communication under the supervision of senior attorneys.
In the Corporate group, associates review contracts, perform due diligence, and support transaction closing documents. The Litigation track emphasizes motion drafting, legal memos, and case analysis, while Real Estate focuses on lease reviews, title reports, and closing checklists.
Professional Development and Networking
Structured Learning Beyond the Desk
Firmwide sessions cover legal technology, practice management, and business development strategies. Associates also attend practice specific webinars that translate directly into more efficient drafting and research habits.
Client Interaction and Feedback
Regular meetings with supervising partners provide clear feedback on writing, analysis, and professionalism. Constructive guidance helps associates refine their voice and adjust to real world expectations quickly.
Performance Evaluation Criteria
Performance is assessed through a combination of written work quality, timeliness, collaboration, and initiative. Associates receive mid summer and end of summer evaluations that influence future full time offers.
Metrics include accuracy of legal analysis, adherence to deadlines, and the ability to anticipate issues before they reach the attorney level. Strong performers often transition into return offers and accelerated post summer pathways.
Maximizing the Summer Associate Experience
- Set clear goals for each practice group rotation and track the skills you want to master.
- Seek feedback after each major assignment to refine your drafting and research approach.
- Attend every training session and panel to connect with attorneys outside your immediate team.
- Document your contributions and learning outcomes for future interviews and performance discussions.
- Build a mentor network that spans practice groups and offices to support long term career planning.
FAQ
Reader questions
What types of practice areas participate in the Akerman Summer Associate program?
The program covers Corporate, Litigation, Real Estate, and Tax, allowing students to rotate through meaningful work in each chosen track.
How many hours per week should associates expect to commit during the summer?
Typical schedules align with standard big law expectations, with hours often ranging from 45 to 60 per week depending on team workload and assignment complexity.
Do summer associates work directly with clients or primarily on internal projects?
Much of the work supports client matters, including drafting client facing documents and preparing materials for attorney presentations under supervision.
What criteria are used to convert summer associates to full time positions?
Conversion decisions weigh legal analysis quality, reliability, teamwork, and fit with firm culture, reflected in formal evaluations and partner feedback.