The Lindquist Summer Associate Experience

>>2013 On Campus Interview Schedule (PDF) 

NEWS: Lindquist & Vennum Ranks #1 among Minnesota Firms for Mid-Level Associate Satisfaction (Read press release)

Lindquist & Vennum's Summer Associate Program, offered in our Minneapolis office, is intentionally small—five to seven students— but is an integral part of our hiring process.

To ensure summer associate exposure to various legal matters, during the first half of the summer we assign work from many of the firm's practice areas. During the second half of the program, summer associates solicit projects on their own, just as associates do.

Summer associates are encouraged to attend depositions, motion hearings, trials, negotiating sessions, client meetings and closings.

We attempt to give each summer associate as much feedback as possible. The summer associate receives an oral evaluation and a written evaluation on each project. These evaluations are discussed with the summer associate during two formal performance evaluations.

Because a lawyer's ability to communicate through writing is crucial to success in the practice of law, we offer a writing program. Each associate is assigned a writing program mentor. Three initial writing assignments are critiqued for organizational abilities, style and composition.

Involvement with assignments and meetings does not preclude social activities which include both cultural and sporting events. Two associate mentors help acquaint each summer associate with other members of the firm and with the Twin Cities.

The Summer Associate Experience, In Their Own Words

“I chose Lindquist because of a gut feeling that the firm fit my personality and a strong initial impression regarding the caliber of the firm and its attorneys. The summer experience reaffirmed my impressions, as Lindquist offered sophisticated work for great clients and a collegial atmosphere. I was exposed to a variety of meaningful projects this summer, many of which I specifically pursued. In connection with my work, I participated in several legal proceedings, including client meetings, motion hearings, and a mediation. The people with whom I worked were exceptional. Those who own, operate, and work for Lindquist genuinely enjoy their work, and they are responsible for a special culture which pervades the firm. I was continually impressed with the humility and willingness to help of such accomplished and impressive attorneys. I was thrilled to receive an offer to return for a second summer, and I am excited to rejoin Lindquist in 2013.”
Sean Traynor, New York University School of Law

"I had a fantastic experience working at Lindquist & Vennum as a Summer Associate. Everything about the firm – the people, the work, the culture – was what I hoped it would be, and I couldn’t be happier to have chosen L&V as the place to start my legal career. Throughout the summer, I had the opportunity to work with associates and partners from various practice groups on a wide array of projects. I worked on everything from researching contract, tax, employment, and marriage legal issues to drafting memorandums of law in connection with on-going litigation cases. While completing my work, whether I was reporting back to a junior associate or a senior partner, I was given helpful feedback and accurate constructive criticism. If I was unsure about how to proceed with a project I was working on, I never felt like I couldn’t ask the assigning attorney questions to clarify my misunderstanding. The attorneys at Lindquist are genuinely interested in seeing their colleagues succeed, and this interest extends to Summer Associates. All-in-all, I couldn’t imagine a better place to practice law and build my skills as an attorney. I can’t wait to return to L&V next summer!"
Craig Armstrong, University of California Berkeley School of Law

"I had an exceptionally rewarding summer at Lindquist & Vennum. Both associates and partners took a genuine interest in me as a person. The firm’s commitment to its summer program was evident during my time at the firm. I received constant feedback, worked on challenging and rewarding projects, and attended court hearings, pro bono clinics, and practice group meetings. Any nerves I had before the program started quickly diminished after the first day. The attorneys I met truly cared about my success and all acted as mentors to me in one way or another. I could not have asked for a better experience." 
Kara Dittrich, William Mitchell College of Law

“I spent both my 1L and 2L summers with Lindquist & Vennum. I didn’t need two summers to convince me, but after my second summer here, it’s confirmed--Lindquist & Vennum is an awesome place to work.”
Kirk Dungca, University of Minnesota Law School

"L&V runs a first-class summer program designed to give summer associates an accurate idea of what life is like as an attorney. I particularly found the project-based program a great way to get to know the firm, as opposed to a rotational program where you may only get exposure to a few practice areas that may or may not be busy during the summer. This structure also allowed each summer associate to contribute to the firm in a meaningful way."
Christopher Hussey, William Mitchell College of Law

"My summer at Lindquist & Vennum exceeded my expectations in every way. I particularly appreciated L&V’s approach to summer associate work. The work was not only challenging and interesting – but the projects were of greater depth and breadth than I had anticipated. Not knowing exactly what practice area I was interested in when I started my summer, I appreciated the opportunity to try a variety of areas. I worked on projects in a variety of areas including: environmental law, products liability, mergers and acquisitions, employment litigation, trusts and estates, and white collar crime. In every practice group I wanted to try, someone gave me the chance to do that work. I also appreciated the opportunity to attend client meetings, hearings, and depositions. Despite being a large law firm, L&V has a close-knit feel. Even the busiest partners set aside what they were working if I stopped by with questions. They seemed genuinely interested in helping me succeed. The amazing people and quality projects made my summer at L&V an exceptional experience."
Elizabeth Sanberg, University of Minnesota Law School

“It is rare to find a workplace that matches one's values and goals. But that is what I was fortunate enough to find at L&V. Over the course of the summer, I had many opportunities to work on substantive, challenging assignments, such as drafting a motion for summary judgment and a motion to dismiss. All of the attorneys I encountered were supportive and caring - they took a genuine interest in me as an individual and valued my contributions to their projects. I was also impressed with the firm's emphasis on work-life balance and diversity. The wide variety of personalities and work styles contributed to a work environment that is vibrant and fun. I received an offer from the firm and am excited to join L&V as a full-time associate in 2011.”
Sarah Whiting, Harvard Law School

"My summer with Lindquist & Vennum was one of many surprises. Although I knew from the recruiting process that I would not be given “busy-work,” I did not anticipate the quality and variety of projects I was assigned. The nature of even the early assignments indicated to me that the attorneys at Lindquist had a refreshingly high level of trust in the quality of work they could expect from their summer associates. I was also surprised by the level of enthusiasm and positive energy other attorneys and staff at Lindquist brought to each interaction. I knew that L&V would be a good work environment based on what I had seen during my interview experience, but I had no idea that there would be that level of support and encouragement throughout the process. The twelve weeks went by very quickly, and I will miss Minneapolis and the people at L&V when I’m gone!"
Lindsey Middlecamp, University of Pennsylvania Law School

In the News

Our 2011 summer associate program was featured in the August 2011 Minnesota Lawyer article "Shifting dynamics for summer associates."  Read it here.

Resources

Professional Development

FAQs About our Summer Associate Program

American Lawyer Media: The 2011 Midlevel Associate Survey (PDF)

American Lawyer Media: The 2010 Summer Associate Survey (PDF)

Living and working in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul