Bricker & Eckler’s summer associate program offers a valuable and in-depth learning experience that provides realistic exposure to the legal profession. The goal of our program is to provide resources and opportunities that prepare summer associate s for successful legal careers upon graduation. It is designed to challenge, stimulate and motivate our summer associates as they develop and thrive in a supportive working environment.

Assignments

Bricker & Eckler summer associates are given more than just reading and research assignments. Throughout the summer, they work on projects that include the opportunity to attend client meetings, depositions, hearings and trials.

Assignments are completed for a variety of practice groups such as business law; employment; litigation; and taxes, trusts and estates groups. Although project topics may vary, the flexibility of our program also allows summer associates with a particular interest to focus on a specific legal area.

Assignments are distributed by one member of the Clerkship Committee, who helps balance the amount and variety of work that each clerk receives. Many of the projects, which come from various departments, are those that a first-year associate would traditionally do. By working closely with the assigning attorney, clerks benefit from personal interaction, guidance and constructive feedback. This also lends the opportunity to build relationships with attorneys and learn more about the firm.

Mentoring

Each year, Bricker & Eckler attorneys and staff members eagerly welcome summer associates into the firm’s collaborative, team environment. Assigned both a Firm Mentor and a Peer Mentor, summer associates are provided with support, advice and fellowship throughout the summer.

The Firm Mentor, typically a member of the Recruiting Committee, regularly meets with summer associates to go over assignments and evaluations, and to ensure that their experience is going smoothly. Peer Mentors, who are often first or second year associates, help summer associates get acquainted with our attorneys, staff and the building.

Evaluation Process

In addition to the ongoing assistance provided during a project, a formal evaluation process accompanies the conclusion of each assignment. Completed by the assigning attorney, summer associates receive feedback using a formal evaluation system. These assessments provide summer associates with valuable feedback.

Social Events

With plenty of opportunities to socialize, summer associates are able to foster friendships throughout the firm and get to know colleagues in settings outside the office. A number of activities are scheduled throughout the summer such as large parties and intimate gatherings at the homes of attorneys, restaurant outings, wine tastings, movie nights, golf, outdoor activities and other sporting events, including intramural sports games.

Community Services

Summer associates also participate in a number of community service activities for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the YWCA Family Center and have served as volunteers for local homeless shelters and food banks. They are also encouraged to take part in firm-wide service events such as the monthly Dress Down for Charity casual Fridays, which donates to a different organization each month, Race for the Cure, Adopt-a-Family, and Rebuilding Together Columbus, an initiative that repairs homes to provide a better environment for low income homeowners. Along with our attorneys, summer associates are also proactive in performing pro bono legal services for those in need.