Summer Associate Program Frequently Asked Questions
When does BoyarMiller’s Summer Associate Program occur?
Am I assigned to a practice group within the firm?
How are particular projects assigned?
Will I work on substantive matters?
What type of training opportunities will be offered?
Will I receive feedback on my performance during the program?
Does BoyarMiller have a mentor program?
Will the program include social activities?
What do your prior Summer Associates think of the program?
Can I speak with previous Summer Associates about their experience?
Who is the appropriate person to contact for more information about the program?
When does BoyarMiller’s Summer Associate Program occur?
BoyarMiller offers an eight-week Summer Associate Program, which typically begins the third week of May. Summer Associate Candidates may submit resumes for the following summer Associate Program between June 1 and August 1 (i.e, to be considered for the 2016 Summer Associate Program, submit resumes between June 1 and August 1, 2015).
Am I assigned to a practice group within the firm?
No, the Summer Associate work with both practice groups within the firm, and will receive specific assignments from, and work directly with, attorneys from both practice groups throughout the eight-week program.
How are particular projects assigned?
Summer Associates begin with the Fast Start Program — a one-day program designed to introduce the Summer Associates to the inner workings of the firm — and, through the course of the Summer Program, Summer Associates will receive assignments from both the business and litigation practice groups. Each Summer Associate is assigned a supervising attorney, who coordinates the assignments between the Business Group and Litigation Group over the course of the Summer Program.
Will I work on substantive matters?
Yes, the purpose of BoyarMiller’s Summer Program is to provide a working experience that accurately reflects the responsibilities that attorneys will be expected to handle as associates at the firm. As a result, each of our Summer Associates will be assigned actual pending matters and will attend client meetings, closings, depositions, court hearings and trials (as available over the course of the program) so as to provide them with exposure to all facets of the firm’s practice. Summer Associates are encouraged to discuss their assignments with the assigning attorney in order to become intimately familiar with the matter, the client and the purpose of the assignment because Summer Associates work product is often incorporated into what is shared directly with clients of the firm.
What type of training opportunities will be offered?
BoyarMiller views the entire Summer Associates Program as a training opportunity; there will be, however, several training events specifically designed to address certain topics through the summer. The firm will host lunch sessions during which our attorneys will informally discuss various substantive topics related to a variety of the firm’s practice areas. Summer Associates will also participate in a litigation skills workshop where they have an opportunity to prepare and present an argument for or against a summary judgment before a Harris County District Court Judge (based on an actual case). In addition, Summer Associates will have the opportunity to attend continuing legal education sessions outside of the firm and internal practice group meetings.
Will I receive feedback on my performance during the program?
The firm provides both formal and informal feedback throughout the program. The attorney providing a Summer Associate with an assignment will provide feedback on the final work product. In addition, the supervising attorney for each Summer Associate will provide a comprehensive review of the Summer Associate’s work product each week to allow the Summer Associate to identify areas that might need improvement.
Twice during the course of the summer, formal evaluations will be conducted between the Summer Associate and at least two attorneys, typically the Summer Associate’s supervising attorney and mentor attorney. The first will occur approximately halfway through the Summer Program and is designed to provide the Summer Associate with constructive criticism that the Summer Associate can address during the remainder of the program. The final evaluation takes place at the end of the program and is a mutual evaluation in which the Summer Associate may share thoughts and experiences from the program.
Does BoyarMiller have a mentor program?
Each Summer Associate is assigned a supervising attorney and a mentor attorney at the beginning of the Summer Program. The role of the supervising attorney is to oversee the professional development of the Summer Associate and to coordinate the assignments being given to the Summer Associate to ensure that the Summer Associate gains a variety of experiences in multiple practice areas. The role of the mentor attorney is to oversee the personal development of the Summer Associate, which includes providing insight into the culture of BoyarMiller and helping the Summer Associate address the balance between the demands of work and the demands of life.
Will the program include social activities?
The firm hosts formal events each week of the program, with frequent informal events such as happy hours occurring throughout. Formal functions have included attending an Astros game, a firm-wide bowling tournament and Top Golf. BoyarMiller also schedules multiple events that include spouses/significant others of the Summer Associate.
What do your prior Summer Associates think of the program?
Comments from recent Summer Associates can be found here.
Can I speak with previous Summer Associates about their experience?
We will be happy to put you in touch with former Summer Associates who are now attorneys at BoyarMiller. Please contact Josie Morgan at 832-615-4284 or jmorgan@boyarmiller.com for more information. Please be sure to include your contact information.
Who is the appropriate person to contact for more information about the program?
Summer program inquiries should be addressed to Josie Morgan at 832-615-4284 or jmorgan@boyarmiller.com.
