Chicago Summer Program

Our Chicago office provides Summer Associates with an understanding of what they will experience as an attorney at Skadden. In 2009, 33 Summer Associates participated in Chicago’s program. Summer Associates sit on a "liaison team" that comprises three junior to mid-level associates and five Summer Associates. This team approach offers Summer Associates the opportunity to receive advice and guidance from attorneys in various practice areas. Liaison teams meet routinely to discuss any questions that the Summer Associates have about the firm and life as an attorney.

Summer Associates work closely with our attorneys on active cases and deals and are encouraged to attend depositions, corporate closings, client meetings and court hearings. Summer Associates are able to choose as many or as few practice areas in which to work during the summer. Work assignments are distributed based on practice group preferences. Because preferences change throughout the summer, Summer Associates to report preferences on a weekly basis, and we work to accommodate those changes.

Summer Associates also receive training in a variety of subjects to enable them to work on pro bono projects. In 2009, we held training workshops on guardian ad litem, asylum, nonprofit tax exemptions and advocating for the legal rights of students with disabilities. As a result, nearly all of our Summer Associates worked on at least one pro bono project gaining valuable hands-on experience. Summer Associates also take part in research and writing workshops during the summer.

In addition to work experience and training, our Summer Program includes a variety of social activities providing time for Summer Associates to get to know each other, our attorneys and the city of Chicago. Our social activities include dinner parties, sporting events, theater performances, museum exhibits and a variety of other events.