Chris Montgomery The Ohio State Univeristy Law School class of 2009; member of the 2008 summer associate class

There were three major things that I was hoping for in my summer associateship: 1) to do interesting, meaningful work; 2) to be treated with respect; and 3) to get along well with the attorneys at Bricker. Even two out of three wouldn’t have been bad. But I am happy to report—and not because the Recruiting Committee made me—that my summer associateship hit the trifecta.

First, I felt like I was given the kinds of assignments that the firm usually gives to starting associates. That’s not to say that there weren’t some assignments reserved especially for summer associates (such as the one where I had to update a treatise on Ohio township law that is authored by a Bricker partner). But, for the most part, I spent my time on real projects for clients. Another positive: the firm really tried to cater to my interests. As the summer progressed, I became more and more convinced that I wanted to be a transactional lawyer. The assigning attorneys took that into account and started giving me more assignments, for example, from the business law and bond departments.

Second, on every single assignment the attorneys I worked with seemed genuinely interested in, and appreciative of, my work. There was no condescension or impatience. If I had questions, they quickly answered them. And they valued the final product. Admittedly, I have no first-hand experience with how other firms treat their summer associates. All I can say is that you’re treated as a peer and a colleague as a summer associate at Bricker, and not as a clueless rookie.

Third—and this is a blessing—I like spending time with Bricker attorneys. Am I best buddies with everyone at the firm? No. But it’s a real bonus as a summer associate—when you’re attending social events and lunches with attorneys, and you’re playing on the firm’s various summer sports teams—to actually enjoy the company of your colleagues. It’s very easy to make friends here. And considering how much time you’re going to spend at work when you get out of law school, that’s something you shouldn’t discount when you’re evaluating firms.

All in all, it was an enjoyable and enriching experience. I’m thankful that I was smart enough as a frazzled 2L to choose Bricker.