Work Assignments

Summer associates are involved in meaningful client work from the outset, from mergers and acquisitions transactions (both domestic and cross-border) to international arbitrations to initial public offerings. We find that the interests of many summer associates evolve as they are exposed to different practice areas through work assignments, training programs and discussions with their colleagues. Our summer program offers the flexibility to explore different practice areas, or focus on just one. Throughout the summer, there are opportunities for formal evaluations and informal feedback. 

Training and Development

Summer associates are invited to attend all department and practice lunches alongside Debevoise lawyers and participate in firm training programs. At department and practice lunches, lawyers discuss substantive developments and exchange insights about issues affecting clients in their respective practices. Examples of training programs include the fundamentals of negotiation (including a series of simulated negotiations and discussion), a course on developing a core theory of a litigation, a workshop on effective legal writing and a “Private Equity Funds 101” program. Read more >

Advisor Program

You will be assigned both a partner advisor and an associate advisor during your summer at Debevoise. Their role is to serve as a resource as you gain insights into different practice areas, getting to know the Debevoise community and navigating the firm—by taking you to lunch, introducing you to other lawyers and staff, pointing you to firm resources and answering your questions. You will also be given informal feedback on a continuous basis in addition to a formal evaluation process at mid and end of summer.

Orientation

During summer orientation, we will introduce you to the firm – to Debevoise partners, counsel and associates, your fellow summer associates and the practice of law. Summer associates have opportunities to bond with their class during orientation activities. Firm leaders will also share how the firm’s values are embodied in how we serve our clients and work with each other. Orientation offers information about our diversity and pro bono programs, and the opportunities for summer associates to get involved.

Social Events

The summer experience is meant to be fun and engaging, in addition to providing a challenging learning experience. Organized social events introduce summer associates to New York, to each other and to lawyers within the firm. Past summer events have included cooking classes, trivia night, dinner parties at partners’ homes and a private outing at the Central Park Zoo. This summer, our events included a virtual trivia game, scavenger hunt, painting, pizza-making and chocolate-tasting classes, and a livestream of “Shakespeare in the Park.”

Pro Bono

In 2020, 66% of Debevoise summer associates worked on pro bono assignments, many of which provided drafting and client counseling experience. Summer associates can participate in a wide variety of challenging and high-impact pro bono matters with leading legal service organizations, including The Legal Aid Society, Sanctuary for Families, Human Rights First, Immigration Equality and Start Small Think Big. Opportunities include corporate projects for not-for-profit organizations, stand-up experience in family law and disability matters, research and writing on international human rights issues, civil rights litigation and representations of low-income individuals.

Washington, D.C. is a demanding environment for lawyers. Our D.C. office is the highly successful place it is because our lawyers are driven, hard-working, solutions-oriented and commercially savvy individuals who work to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. That dedication is always reflected in our world-class work product. Learn more > 

From our office in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant financial district, Debevoise corporate, regulatory and litigation lawyers handle groundbreaking work for the Bay Area’s most innovative companies, especially in the technology and private investment sectors, while serving as a critical hub in the firm’s global office network. Our work in the region includes advising clients on a range of corporate transactions as well as cutting edge issues like cryptocurrency regulation, groundbreaking fund structures and ESG guidance. Led by seven Debevoise partners, the office provides capabilities in mergers and acquisitions, private equity fund formation, white collar and regulatory defense, data strategy and security and intellectual property litigation. Learn More >