Q: How many summer associates does the firm expect to have each year?
A: The Dallas office had 24 summer associates participate in its program this year. In 2004, we had 16 summer associates.
Q: How many offers do you make to your summer associate class?
A: Our goal is to make offers to each summer associate who demonstrates the ability to practice law at the level required by our practice. In 2004, 100 percent of our summer associates received offers.
Q: What is your hiring criteria for summer associates?
A: We look for outstanding academic credentials, law review/journal experience, moot court experience, previous work history, excellent interpersonal skills and participation in extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership abilities and team players. We seek well-rounded, intelligent individuals.
Q: Do you hire 1Ls for your summer program?
A: No.
Q: What is your salary for summer associates?
A: In 2005, the summer associate salary for second-year students was $2,100 per week.
Q: Do you allow split summers?
A: Yes, summer associates may split with another employer; however, we require that summer associates spend a minimum of six weeks with us during the first half of our summer program.
Q: Do I have to choose a particular practice area in the beginning of the summer?
A: No. You may select two to three practice areas to explore during your clerkship.
Q: What if I am unsure of the area in which I would like to practice?
A: In addition to receiving assignments from a variety of practice areas, we host weekly luncheons for each of the firm's practice groups. This informal presentation by partners and associates in different sections provides an overview about their current workload and unique aspects of each practice group.
Q: What can I expect as far as training in your summer program?
A: We offer basic skills seminars in-house, in addition to our ongoing litigation and corporate training programs. Summer associates also have the opportunity to observe and participate in client meetings, depositions, hearings, trials and closings.
Q: Do you give credit for judicial clerkships?
A: Yes. We provide a $30,000 bonus and one-year credit toward compensation and partnership for federal district and circuit courts, and state Supreme Court clerkships.
Tonia W. Dunlap
Attorney Recruiting & Development Manager
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
1700 Pacific Avenue
Suite 4100
Dallas, TX 75201-4675
214.969.4737
tdunlap@akingump.com
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