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Everything You Need to Know About Being a Summer Associate

By Gabriella Khorasanee, JD on May 05, 2014 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

The months of spring are a blur, aren't they dear law student? Your heads are buried in the books as you study for finals, and when you look up, it will be fall and you'll be sitting in a lecture hall again.

What about the summer?

Summer associate season is starting sooner than you think, so as you head in that direction, we've compiled a list of our best posts on everything you need to know about being a summer associate. It's tough enough being a newbie, so at least be a newbie in the know.

The Basics on Lawyer Fashion

We've covered the area of what to wear pretty well -- and hopefully, you won't find it condescending:

His and Hers Tips for Summer Associate Dressing -- Everything is covered, even special instances like hot weather, and dressing for court.

5 Rules for Summer Associate Fashion -- This one's just for the ladies, sorry fellas.

The Rules of Business- or Dress-Casual (For Ladies) -- Lessons for the women: learn the difference between business and business-casual.

The Rules of Business- or Dress-Casual (For Guys) Lessons for the men: learn the difference between business and business-casual.

Summer Associate Tasks -- How To's

Even though you're a summer associate, you'll be expected to work -- and none of the stuff you are expected to do is taught in law school. Luckily, we have your back.

Top 5 Ways to Survive the Business Lunch -- Because a lot of what you'll be doing will include going to lunches with colleagues.

BigLaw 101: How to Write Your 1st Professional Legal Memo -- You will need to put your research and writing skills to use.

BigLaw 101: How to Keep Track of Billable Hours -- Your hours will probably be written off, but as an attorney that will have to bill hours, start getting used to it now.

5 Ways to Survive Document Review (Without Killing Yourself) -- Because you will be assigned doc review at some point, and you will want to kill yourself.

Best. Summer. Associate. Ever.

How to be the Best Summer Associate Ever: 4 Tips -- Just read this.

BigLaw 101: How to Be a Great Associate -- And this.

Three Lessons for Young Attorneys (or Law Students) from Olympians -- Because they are awesome, and you can be too.

Associate, Clerk, or Intern: Surviving and Thriving This Summer -- Even more tips for you -- with a humorous bent.

If you've already made it through being a summer associate and you're on the other side of the fence, look out for our post on Wednesday about how to be a great mentor to summer associates.

Did we miss anything? Let us know what you want to know about being a summer associate @FindLawLP on Twitter.

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