FAQs What are the chances of receiving a permanent offer after participating in the Summer Associate Program? We deliberately design our program to ensure that everyone who does excellent work can receive a permanent offer. How long is the summer program? The summer program typically runs 10 weeks. What is the salary for Summer Associates? We offer Summer Associates a market-driven, competitive salary. Does the firm offer a mentoring program for Summer Associates? Each Summer Associate is assigned his/her mentor(s) on the first day of work. Summer Associates are encouraged to turn to their mentor(s) for guidance throughout the summer and with any questions they have regarding the firm. Will I be assigned to a specific practice area? Summer Associates have the opportunity to work in each of our practice areas on a broad spectrum of assignments. They may focus on one practice area or diversify their summer experience by working across multiple practice areas. What is the firm's commitment to pro bono work? Katten is one of the only firms in the country to have a full-time pro bono partner, and we are consistently recognized for the number of pro bono hours our attorneys contribute. Our pro bono program is particularly noteworthy for the breadth of services it offers. These include litigation, both on behalf of individuals and groups, in matters of housing and public accommodations discrimination, civil liberties, immigration, criminal defense, prisoners' rights and consumer matters, and also transactional pro bono work in such areas as corporate and tax assistance for nonprofit organizations, intellectual property law, employee benefits and international trade law. The firm arranges training for attorneys interested in specialized areas of pro bono law as well as credit for pro bono work toward billable hour requirements. What is the partnership track at Katten? We are a two-tiered partnership. After seven and a half years, associates are eligible to become income partners, and of those eligible, the vast majority attain this status. Although this is the typical track, an associate can be elected to partnership status earlier. All income partners are eligible to be elected to the level of capital partner. Our attorneys can progress in their legal careers as quickly as their talent and ambition allow. What is the review process for Summer Associates? We hold two formal reviews during the summer to provide feedback on Summer Associate performance. During reviews, we provide Summer Associates with comments and constructive criticism from attorneys regarding each specific assignment. On a more informal basis, we also encourage attorneys to provide feedback regularly. Most Summer Associates tell us that they appreciate this candor because it helps them improve. What technology does the firm provide for Summer Associates? Summer Associates are issued laptop computers and Blackberry devices. We use state-of-the-art software and have an extensive research library. We have a comprehensive online document and assignment form database that we continuously update. What training do Summer Associates receive? We believe that training is essential at every stage in a lawyer’s career. Our workshops on trial advocacy, legal writing and negotiating provide additional learning opportunities and a forum for Summer Associates to practice acquired skills. By providing the most comprehensive training possible, we help develop Summer Associates into skilled attorneys and guide them over the bumps they encounter at this phase in their career. What is the workplace like for a Summer Associate? Most Summer Associates tell us they are pleasantly surprised that they have significant client contact and are assigned work similar to that of junior level associates. They are also encouraged to actively seek work from practice areas they are interested in. We provide challenging, hands-on experience in as many areas as possible. Typical summer project experiences include strategic client transactions, IPO strategy discussions and drafting documents.