Summer Associate FAQs

Which Cozen O'Connor offices are hiring for the summer associate program?

Cozen O’Connor offers a unique experience for law students during the summer in some of its offices across the country and abroad. In addition to Philadelphia, we are pleased to offer a summer program in our Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Seattle offices. Summer associates in our offices are given a chance to learn first-hand what it is like to practice law as a new associate at Cozen O’Connor. Our summer associates work on assignments from all practice areas specific to their particular office, as well as accompany our attorneys to client meetings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and possibly attend court as well. 

Who may I contact for more information about your summer program?

Summer program inquiries should be addressed to our Director of Legal Recruiting Lauren Carella at lcarella@cozen.com. To apply for a position in our summer associate program, please submit a cover letter, resume and a law school transcript at www.cozen.com/careers/law-students. 

How long is Cozen O'Connor’s summer program?

In typical years, our summer program begins in mid-May and runs through the middle of July for the U.S and through early August in Canada. Our U.S. summer program usually runs nine and a half weeks, and our Canadian summer program runs 12 weeks.

Will I work on real cases?

Cozen O'Connor's summer program truly exemplifies life as a junior associate after law school. We pride ourselves in providing the summer associates with a realistic experience of the responsibilities and high level of performance which would be expected of them as associates at the firm, and this could not be accomplished without assigning them to active cases. The summer associates work closely with the firm's attorneys on every aspect of a case and are heavily relied upon to produce an excellent work product consistent with the expectations of the firm. Summer associate work product is often shared directly with clients or is incorporated into a document or used in strategy formation.

Is there a permanent offer for me if I succeed in the program?

Our firm has never hired more summer associates than we could accommodate as entry level associates. We have been able to afford full-time employment to almost all of our summer associates while simultaneously hiring outside the summer program as well. Our summer associates never feel the need to compete among themselves; traditionally they work together and exemplify the collegiality which is the hallmark of our firm.

What types of social events can I expect?

The firm hosts summer associate events throughout the program.  Attorneys and summer associates get to know each other in less formal settings at events such as happy hours, sporting functions, and other cultural events.  Past events include receptions with various practice groups and other internal constituencies, mini golf, bowling, simulated golf, professional major league games, ax throwing, and much more.

Will I be in the library all summer?

No! Aside from educational programs and social events, summer associates are encouraged to attend client meetings, closings, depositions, court conferences and trials to provide them with exposure to all facets of the firm's practice.

Can I work on a pro bono project?

Cozen O'Connor has made a commitment to make pro bono legal work a significant part of daily practice at the firm. Summer associates also are encouraged to participate in pro bono cases and clinics throughout the summer. Through our Director of Pro Bono Engagement, attorneys at the firm can submit pro bono projects that are distributed to the summer associates. In addition, summer associates have the opportunity to participate in volunteer activities during the summer for a variety of organizations.

What type of training will I receive?

Cozen O'Connor provides its summer associates with an extensive training program. Following an initial day-long overview of the firm and summer program, orientation week continues with sessions targeting areas such as legal writing and time keeping. The firm also holds various training programs throughout the summer during which attorneys within the firm informally discuss substantive topics reflective of the firm's practice areas. Additionally, summer associates participate in a trial and deposition skills workshop where they have an opportunity to prepare and present a mock opening statement and also to take a mock deposition. Finally, the summer associates have the opportunity to attend practice specific training sessions and department lunch meetings.

Will I have a mentor?

Yes. Every summer associate receives a personal writing mentor and associate mentor at the beginning of the summer. The writing mentor will review the summer associate's completed assignments to offer constructive criticism of the summer associate's legal writing skills. In addition, the associate mentor assists the summer associates in meeting attorneys and helping the summer associates gain exposure to the firm. The writing and associate mentors help to acclimate the summer associates to the firm and are available to provide advice and guidance.

What kind of feedback will I receive?

Cozen O'Connor has an extensive evaluation process, which takes place throughout the summer. Summer associate assignments, in general, are submitted by members of the firm. The assigning member is responsible for overseeing the progress of the assignment and for providing feedback on the final work product. In addition, each attorney for whom a summer associate works reviews the summer associate's work product then meets with the summer associate to discuss the completed project. This enables summer associates to gain feedback with respect to the quality of their work product and any areas that might need improvement. Twice during the course of the summer, formal evaluations are conducted between the summer associate and the attorney administering the program. The first formal evaluation is specifically directed to providing summer associates with constructive criticism so they may improve any deficiencies through the remainder of the summer. The final evaluation takes place at the completion of the program and is a mutual give and take session so that the summer associate and the firm gain valuable insights from the summer associate's experience.
 

How do I find Cozen O’Connor attorneys who are alumni of my law school?

Use this link to search Cozen O’Connor attorneys by law school.