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Cozen O'Connor ranks 1st in the nation on the 2009 American Lawyer Summer Associate Survey
Summer Associate Program
How long is Cozen’s Summer Program?
How do the rotations work?
Will I work on real cases?
Is there an offer for me if I succeed in the program?
What types of social events can I expect?
Will I be in the library all summer?
Can I work on a pro bono project?
What type of training will I receive?
Will I have a mentor?
What kind of feedback will I receive?
What do your prior summer associates think of the program?
Can I talk to previous summer associates about their experience?
I’m interested in a summer associate position in one of your regional offices (not Philadelphia). Which Cozen offices are hiring for the Summer?
How do I find Cozen O’Connor attorneys who are alumni of my law school?
Who may I contact for more information about your summer program?
How long is Cozen’s Summer Program?
Our summer program is just over eight weeks, running from the end of May through July. The first two days are spent in orientation and getting acclimated to the new surroundings. Summer associates in Philadelphia receive assignments by rotating through the firm’s varied business and litigation practices. Assignments are assigned by an attorney assignment coordinator; however, summer associates are offered the opportunity to preference practice areas or certain types of assignments, as available.
How do the rotations work?
The summer associates rotate through the various practice groups within the firm receiving specific assignments and working directly with firm attorneys in researching and writing briefs and memoranda on both transactional and litigation matters. Summer associates are encouraged to discuss their assignments frequently with the assigning attorney and to become intimately familiar with the case, the client and the purpose of the assignment.
Will I work on real cases?
Cozen O'Connor's Summer Program truly exemplifies life as an 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 an 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 has an official summer associate event almost every week. In addition, summer associates and attorneys attend happy hours, sporting functions and other cultural events. Official summer functions in Philadelphia for 2009 include a suite at the Phillies game, bowling at Lucky Strikes, and a scavenger hunt, as well as several cocktail parties and dinners. In addition to the larger scale events, summer associates will have the opportunity to socialize with just the summer associate class – no lawyers allowed!
Will I be in the library all summer?
No! Aside from educational luncheons and social events, summer associates are encouraged to attend client meetings, closings, depositions, court conferences and trials so as 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 throughout the summer. Through a Pro Bono Assignment Coordinator, attorneys at the firm can submit summer associate assignments on pro bono projects. These assignments are then distributed to summer associates in each rotation. Summer associates also participate in volunteer activities during the summer for a variety of organizations, including the Cozen PAL Center.
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 weekly "Lunch & Learns" during which attorneys within the firm informally discuss various substantive topics reflective of the firm's practice areas. Additionally, summer associates participate in a Trial 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 continuing legal education sessions held at the firm for all firm attorneys, and to attend all departmental luncheons.
Will I have a mentor?
Yes. Every summer associate receives a writing 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, there is a committee of “social” mentors that plays a large part in the summer program. The social mentors assist the summer associates in meeting attorneys and helping the summer associates gain exposure to the firm. The writing and social mentors help to acclimate the summers associates to the firm and its systems and in getting their “lawyer’s legs” in the practice realm.
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.
What do your prior summer associates think of the program?
Our summer associates leave the firm at the conclusion of the summer highly satisfied, as evidenced our summer associates' comments in recent American Lawyer Summer Associate Surveys. In this national survey of more than 160 law firms, our summer associate program has ranked among the top firms' programs over the last five years.
At the end of the program, our summer associates complete an anonymous survey that we use to improve the program year after year. Some comments from the recent summer classes include:
"When I was looking at firms last Fall, I wanted to make sure that I came to a summer program that would feel like I was really working, and that would prepare me in some fashion for working after graduation. This program does that."
"I can not tell you how beneficial this summer program was to my growth as a law student on so many levels – professionally, socially, and in my overall education."
”This summer was a tremendous learning experience for me. The social events provided a great opportunity to get to know a lot of the attorneys, and the quality and variety of assignments kept the work interesting and provided insight in to the various practice areas.”
"The most significant thing about the summer program, to me, is that I always felt like everyone here was on my team. There was never a sense of competition among the summers, or a sense that the attorneys were testing us . . . I always felt like I could go to someone if and when I ever had a problem."
"It was a wonderful summer – I loved the program, the people, the work, you did a wonderful job with everything."
Can I talk to previous summer associates about their experience?
Absolutely. We will be happy to connect you with former summer associates who are now lawyers at Cozen O'Connor. Click here and be sure to include your contact information.
I’m interested in a summer associate position in one of your regional offices (not Philadelphia). Which Cozen offices are hiring for the Summer?
Cozen O’Connor offers a unique experience for law students during the summer in some of its offices across the country and abroad. Offices who have hosted summer programs in the past are Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, Seattle and Washington D.C. Just like our Philadelphia summer associates, summer associates in our other 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. We are pleased to offer a 2010 summer program in our New York and Seattle offices.
Alternatively, many of our offices hire law students as law clerks to assist with projects over the summer. While law clerk positions are temporary and typically do not lead to permanent employment, they do offer law students an opportunity to gain valuable legal experience in a law firm setting. To find out which offices are hiring summer associates and which are hiring law clerks, contact, Mindy Herczfeld.
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.
Who may I contact for more information about your summer program?
Summer program inquiries should be addressed to our Manager of Legal Recruiting, Mindy Herczfeld.
Summer Associate Program
How long is Cozen’s Summer Program?
How do the rotations work?
Will I work on real cases?
Is there an offer for me if I succeed in the program?
What types of social events can I expect?
Will I be in the library all summer?
Can I work on a pro bono project?
What type of training will I receive?
Will I have a mentor?
What kind of feedback will I receive?
What do your prior summer associates think of the program?
Can I talk to previous summer associates about their experience?
I’m interested in a summer associate position in one of your regional offices (not Philadelphia). Which Cozen offices are hiring for the Summer?
How do I find Cozen O’Connor attorneys who are alumni of my law school?
Who may I contact for more information about your summer program?
How long is Cozen’s Summer Program?
Our summer program is just over eight weeks, running from the end of May through July. The first two days are spent in orientation and getting acclimated to the new surroundings. Summer associates in Philadelphia receive assignments by rotating through the firm’s varied business and litigation practices. Assignments are assigned by an attorney assignment coordinator; however, summer associates are offered the opportunity to preference practice areas or certain types of assignments, as available.
How do the rotations work?
The summer associates rotate through the various practice groups within the firm receiving specific assignments and working directly with firm attorneys in researching and writing briefs and memoranda on both transactional and litigation matters. Summer associates are encouraged to discuss their assignments frequently with the assigning attorney and to become intimately familiar with the case, the client and the purpose of the assignment.
Will I work on real cases?
Cozen O'Connor's Summer Program truly exemplifies life as an 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 an 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 has an official summer associate event almost every week. In addition, summer associates and attorneys attend happy hours, sporting functions and other cultural events. Official summer functions in Philadelphia for 2009 include a suite at the Phillies game, bowling at Lucky Strikes, and a scavenger hunt, as well as several cocktail parties and dinners. In addition to the larger scale events, summer associates will have the opportunity to socialize with just the summer associate class – no lawyers allowed!
Will I be in the library all summer?
No! Aside from educational luncheons and social events, summer associates are encouraged to attend client meetings, closings, depositions, court conferences and trials so as 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 throughout the summer. Through a Pro Bono Assignment Coordinator, attorneys at the firm can submit summer associate assignments on pro bono projects. These assignments are then distributed to summer associates in each rotation. Summer associates also participate in volunteer activities during the summer for a variety of organizations, including the Cozen PAL Center.
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 weekly "Lunch & Learns" during which attorneys within the firm informally discuss various substantive topics reflective of the firm's practice areas. Additionally, summer associates participate in a Trial 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 continuing legal education sessions held at the firm for all firm attorneys, and to attend all departmental luncheons.
Will I have a mentor?
Yes. Every summer associate receives a writing 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, there is a committee of “social” mentors that plays a large part in the summer program. The social mentors assist the summer associates in meeting attorneys and helping the summer associates gain exposure to the firm. The writing and social mentors help to acclimate the summers associates to the firm and its systems and in getting their “lawyer’s legs” in the practice realm.
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.
What do your prior summer associates think of the program?
Our summer associates leave the firm at the conclusion of the summer highly satisfied, as evidenced our summer associates' comments in recent American Lawyer Summer Associate Surveys. In this national survey of more than 160 law firms, our summer associate program has ranked among the top firms' programs over the last five years.
At the end of the program, our summer associates complete an anonymous survey that we use to improve the program year after year. Some comments from the recent summer classes include:
"When I was looking at firms last Fall, I wanted to make sure that I came to a summer program that would feel like I was really working, and that would prepare me in some fashion for working after graduation. This program does that."
"I can not tell you how beneficial this summer program was to my growth as a law student on so many levels – professionally, socially, and in my overall education."
”This summer was a tremendous learning experience for me. The social events provided a great opportunity to get to know a lot of the attorneys, and the quality and variety of assignments kept the work interesting and provided insight in to the various practice areas.”
"The most significant thing about the summer program, to me, is that I always felt like everyone here was on my team. There was never a sense of competition among the summers, or a sense that the attorneys were testing us . . . I always felt like I could go to someone if and when I ever had a problem."
"It was a wonderful summer – I loved the program, the people, the work, you did a wonderful job with everything."
Can I talk to previous summer associates about their experience?
Absolutely. We will be happy to connect you with former summer associates who are now lawyers at Cozen O'Connor. Click here and be sure to include your contact information.
I’m interested in a summer associate position in one of your regional offices (not Philadelphia). Which Cozen offices are hiring for the Summer?
Cozen O’Connor offers a unique experience for law students during the summer in some of its offices across the country and abroad. Offices who have hosted summer programs in the past are Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, Seattle and Washington D.C. Just like our Philadelphia summer associates, summer associates in our other 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. We are pleased to offer a 2010 summer program in our New York and Seattle offices.
Alternatively, many of our offices hire law students as law clerks to assist with projects over the summer. While law clerk positions are temporary and typically do not lead to permanent employment, they do offer law students an opportunity to gain valuable legal experience in a law firm setting. To find out which offices are hiring summer associates and which are hiring law clerks, contact, Mindy Herczfeld.
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.
Who may I contact for more information about your summer program?
Summer program inquiries should be addressed to our Manager of Legal Recruiting, Mindy Herczfeld.