Class Size Back to Top The size of the California summer program varies each year, depending on practice group need in each of our Bay Area offices.
First-year students are generally not eligible for our summer program.
Summer Program Administration Back to TopThe California summer program is coordinated by Lea Thompson, our recruiting coordinator. She is responsible, along with our hiring partner and one mid-level associate we appoint each spring as our “summer czar,” for the day-to-day operation of the summer program.
Summer Program Assignments Back to TopA summer associate’s practice group assignment varies depending on the needs of our California offices. In previous years, summer associates based in Silicon Valley have worked with lawyers in the intellectual property and business litigation practice groups, although opportunities to complete assignments for other practice groups have arisen on occasion. Practice group needs are typically discussed with summer associate candidates during the callback interview process.
The summer program czar manages summer associate workflow and strives to ensure a variety of interesting assignments.
Summer Associate Training Back to Top All summer associates participate in orientation and training during their first week at the firm. In addition, all summer associates are encouraged to attend practice group, office and firm meetings, as well as various King & Spalding University and other internal training programs for practicing lawyers.
Most importantly, our summer associates learn by doing. They benefit from hands-on training by working closely with our lawyers on client matters and by observing hearings, client meetings, negotiation sessions, depositions and trials whenever possible.
Summer Advisors Back to TopWe pair each summer associate with an associate advisor for the duration of the summer program. The summer advisor acts as the summer associate's liaison both socially and professionally, facilitating introductions, providing guidance on work assignments and helping his or her advisee with acclimation to the firm.
Feedback and Evaluations Back to Top Our summer associates regularly receive informal feedback from the lawyers with whom they work throughout the summer. Additionally, all summer associates are given formal mid-summer and final evaluations by the summer program czar and our hiring partner.
Summer Social Activities Back to Top We organize social activities throughout the summer for our summer associates and lawyers. Social activities may include athletic events, wine tasting trips, cooking classes and concerts. Summer associates are also frequently invited by individual lawyers to enjoy lunches, dinners and other informal activities.
Split Summers Back to Top Students are welcome to split their summers with other firms provided they spend at least six weeks of the summer with the San Francisco or Silicon Valley office during the first half of the summer.
Summer Associate Salary Back to TopThe firm is currently evaluating market data regarding summer associate salaries. Although the 2012 summer associate salary has not been set at this time, we are committed to paying a competitive salary.
Summer Associate Housing Back to TopOur recruiting team provides summer associates with various resources to assist them in obtaining summer housing.
Travel Expenses Back to TopDuring the summer, summer associates are reimbursed for the actual cost of round-trip mileage or round-trip coach airfare from law school to our Silicon Valley office (or San Francisco office, depending on the summer associate’s placement). In addition, we cover the cost of one trip to the Bay Area by a summer associate's spouse, fiancé(e) or domestic (same gender) partner during the summer program.
King & Spalding Diversity Fellowship Program Back to TopWe recognize that diverse talent is a strategic asset that allows for more effective client service. As part of our commitment to attracting and retaining the finest lawyers from all backgrounds and perspectives, we are pleased to continue offering our Diversity Fellowship Program. Each recipient receives $10,000 and a paid summer clerkship with King & Spalding the summer following the completion of his or her second year of law school. This program is available to any student with an ethnically or culturally diverse background. To apply, please click here.
Applying for a Summer Associate Position Back to TopIf you are interested in a summer associate position, please utilize our online application form by clicking the Apply Online link at the top of this page.Thank you for your interest in the California offices of King & Spalding. We look forward to hearing from you!
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