Summer associates in the San Antonio office receive challenging work assignments. Each summer associate is assigned a mentor to provide guidance during their six-week stay and to ensure that they receive feedback relevant to their specific work assignments, and encouraged to attend hearings, depositions, trial openings and closings, and client meetings. The San Antonio office sponsors social activities to introduce summer associates to our attorneys as well as to highlight the cultural uniqueness of our beautiful city.
Assignments and Evaluations
We provide interesting and challenging work assignments similar to those assignments performed by first-year associates. Our legal recruitment manager and hiring partner monitor the work assignment process to ensure that each summer associate is receiving the proper amount of work and is allowed to work on assignments in his or her areas of interest. Once a work project is finished, the work project is evaluated by the assigning lawyer, who also provides feedback to the summer associate. In addition, we conduct exit interviews with each summer associate.
Social Events
We sponsor a variety of opportunities to meet our lawyers because we think it is important for our summer associates to interact with our lawyers outside the office setting. Our summer program includes fun and entertaining social events that allow summer associates to get to know our lawyers in an informal setting. In addition to social events, there are educational meetings, section lunches and special guest speakers.
Past social events have included golf/spa outings, an evening at Dave & Busters, wine tasting dinners, art exhibit receptions and dinner parties at partners' homes.
Pro Bono
Summer associates are encouraged to assist with pro bono cases. These cases are treated the same as billable work for all associates and summer associates.
Diversity
We are committed to a diverse workplace and seek to hire lawyers from a variety of backgrounds. Akin Gump participates in several events and programs throughout the year to attract minority applicants.
Hiring Criteria
The San Antonio office recruits law students from across the United States who are interested in practicing law in San Antonio. We seek applicants with excellent academic standing, law review or journal membership, strong interpersonal and communication skills, previous work experience and demonstrated leadership abilities.
Where To Apply
All interested applicants should send a resume and transcript to:
Jennifer Stief, HR/Attorney Recruiting & Development Manager
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
300 Convent Street, Suite 1500
San Antonio, TX 78205-3732
210.281.7050
210.224.2035 (fax)
jstief@akingump.com
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San Antonio Summer Program FAQs
Q: How many summer associates does the San Antonio office expect to have each year?
A: The size of our summer class varies. In 2008 we had five summer associates.
Q: How many offers do you make to your summer associate class?
A: Our goal is to make offers to every summer associate who demonstrates the ability to practice law at the level required by our practice.
Q: What is your hiring criteria for summer associates?
A: We look for outstanding academic credentials, law review/journal membership or another indication of strong writing skills, moot court, previous work experience, excellent interpersonal skills and extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership abilities. We seek well-rounded, intelligent individuals.
Q: Do you hire 1Ls for your summer program?
A: Yes. We try to hire a mix of 2Ls and 1Ls.
Q: What is your salary for summer associates?
A: In 2008, the summer associate salary was $2,790 per week.
Q: Do you allow split summers?
A: We generally require that summer associates spend a minimum of six weeks with us during the first summer session.
Q: What if I am unsure of the area in which I would like to practice?
A: The San Antonio office is predominately comprised of lawyers practicing in litigation. Summer associates may also have the opportunity to work on corporate and real estate assignments.
Q: What can I expect as far as training in your summer program?
A: We offer basic skills in-house seminars, in addition to our ongoing firm-wide training programs. Summer associates also have the opportunity to observe and participate in client meetings, depositions, hearings and trials.
Q: How are hiring decisions made?
A: Each of your interviewers will provide a written evaluation of your interview that includes their assessment of your academic achievement, work experience and other factors that indicate a successful match with our firm. In addition, your writing sample is reviewed carefully by a designated reader. The hiring committee then weighs the criteria and makes a decision.
Q: How long after I interview should I expect a hiring decision?
A: Our hiring committee meets frequently during the recruiting season. Normally, you can expect a decision in a week to ten days from the time you interview. Candidates who receive an offer will be notified by phone and letter.
Q: Who should I contact with questions about the Philadelphia summer program or to apply?
A: Applications for all associate positions should be addressed to:
Jennifer Stief, HR/Attorney Recruiting & Development Manager
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
300 Convent Street, Suite 1500
San Antonio, TX 78205-3732
210.281.7050
210.224.2035 (fax)
jstief@akingump.com
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