Schiff Hardin recognizes that an important part of developing as an attorney involves observing and working closely with lawyers at the top of their fields. We strive to build those experiences into our Summer Program and encourage summer associates to take advantage of the many opportunities to watch our attorneys in action. Summer associates are invited to accompany our attorneys to court, participate in corporate deals, sit in on client meetings, and further develop their legal skills through other meaningful “hands-on” experiences.
For example, some of our summer associates have recently enjoyed the following observational opportunities in the litigation field:
- Attending an oral argument in a post-conviction proceeding before the state appellate court;
- Sitting in on depositions of key witnesses;
- Observing oral arguments on motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment in state and federal court;
- Attending trials and other hearings in state, federal and bankruptcy courts.
Our summer associates have also taken advantage of observational opportunities in the corporate/transactional field, including the following:
- Attending an on-site due diligence review for purposes of a bank acquisition;
- Observing a will signing by private individuals;
- Sitting in on acquisition negotiations.
Summer associates are also invited to participate in our pro bono activities. Schiff Hardin has a proud history and tradition of representing clients on a pro bono basis and our summer associates are invited to learn about the firm’s work with public interest organizations. By way of example, in 1979, Schiff Hardin became the first law firm in Chicago to sponsor and fully staff a legal clinic through Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. Our attorneys are also active in many other organizations like the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the American Civil Liberties Union and The Center on Disability and Elder Law.
Because most lawyers at Schiff Hardin are committed to serving the legal needs of those without means, we invite our summer associates to assist us in this area as well. At a minimum, our summer associates have the chance to participate in the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services clinic, which Schiff Hardin continues to staff. This experience allows summer associates to observe and participate in the intake process and to work one-on-one with our attorneys in serving the community.