Getting More Than a Return Offer: How to Maximize the Strategic Value of Your Law Firm Summer Program

For many law students, the primary objective of a BigLaw summer associate program is securing a return offer. But in a profession increasingly defined by long-term strategy, that offer should be just the beginning. Summer programs offer unparalleled access to firm culture, practice areas, potential mentors, and even future clients. Leveraging these opportunities with intention can help law students set a course not only for their first post-graduate job, but for an enduring legal career.

Use the Summer to Clarify Your Practice Area Interests

While some students enter their summer program with a clear vision of their desired practice area, many do not. Rather than defaulting to the assignments handed out by coordinators, ask to rotate through different groups or shadow attorneys in unfamiliar departments. A 2023 survey from the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) found that 62% of associates who left their first firm within three years cited misalignment with practice area expectations as a key reason (NALP Survey).

As one archetypal example, one summer associate initially expressed interest in litigation but realized through exposure to her firm’s bankruptcy and restructuring team that she preferred the problem-solving pace of transactional work. That clarity led to a more aligned return offer and better long-term job satisfaction.

Build Meaningful Relationships—Beyond Your Class

While peer bonding is important, summers should invest just as much effort into forming relationships with associates and partners. Informational interviews, mentorship coffees, and casual lunches with attorneys in various departments can yield lasting professional allies. According to a 2022 Harvard Law School study, students who cultivated strong relationships during summer programs reported a 30% higher rate of satisfaction with their first year as associates (HLS Report).

For instance, one summer associate requested recurring meetings with a mid-level mentor who not only helped her navigate the return offer process but later guided her lateral move into a niche practice area two years into practice.

Observe Firm Culture with a Critical Eye

While every firm promotes itself as collegial and inclusive, summer associates should critically assess these claims. How are attorneys treated across ranks and identities? Are inclusion initiatives meaningfully embedded or performative? Do partners value work-life balance, or is “facetime” quietly enforced?

Research by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association in 2023 showed that 58% of attorneys of color felt they had been misled by how firms portrayed culture during recruiting (MCCA Report). Pay attention to interactions in meetings, tone in emails, and who gets invited to client calls—these cues are often more revealing than formal presentations.

Seek Out Assignments that Stretch Your Skills

While it’s tempting to accept assignments you feel confident completing quickly, your summer is a rare period where learning—not perfection—is the priority. Use the buffer to take on complex assignments and ask for feedback. A 2023 survey found that summers who received detailed performance feedback during their program were 40% more confident entering full-time practice.

For example, a summer associate volunteered to assist with an appellate brief despite having no prior experience. The team’s willingness to explain the process, coupled with real-time feedback, accelerated his confidence and skill set for future litigation work.

Start Developing a Personal Narrative

Everything you learn—about the firm, your interests, and your values—should contribute to a larger personal story you can refine over time. Whether or not you stay with the firm long-term, begin developing a cohesive narrative that ties your work experience to your evolving goals.

One former summer kept a journal during her program, tracking what energized her, what felt tedious, and which attorneys inspired her. This narrative later shaped her clerkship application, interview responses, and her eventual decision to pursue an in-house role in tech law.

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Summer associate programs are more than a 10-week audition—they are your preview of legal life and a sandbox for professional exploration. A return offer is a win, but true success lies in building the clarity, confidence, and connections that will serve you throughout your career. Treat the summer as a strategic opportunity, and you’ll leave with far more than a job.