Unsolicited Advice

As someone who got an offer from my law firm last year, I feel like I can give unsolicited advice about getting an offer. Some of this is obvious, and some of it depends on the firm you are at, and its overall structure/culture. This is not an exhaustive list.

1. Communicate!
When you get your assignment, make sure you ask your reviewer tons of questions. Ask them if they recommend any sources to start with, how long they anticipate the assignment should take, and what is the drop dead deadline. If you start having trouble with your assignment communicate that right away. I have heard from many attorneys that communication is a big weakness for many summers, because they are too afraid to speak up when they need help.

2. Don't Be Shy
Reach out to people in your practice group and ask them if they would like to go to lunch or grab coffee sometime. Since the firm is bankrolling their java fix or lunch, they should be more than happy to take you (unless they are really busy). This is a great way to find out if you are a good fit for that practice group.

3. Make Sure People Know You Are Working
This might seem like odd advice, but keep your door open or cracked so attorneys walking by can see you working. Some people like to keep their doors shut while they work, but this can often look like you are not in your office. Also, if you happen to work late one night, make sure to take a quick stroll down the hall or near the office of your reviewer so they know you are a hard worker and willing to work late when necessary. (Obviously if you work at a firm that strongly discourages working late, don't do this. Also, don't do this all the time or it might seem fake. Do it just enough for them to know you are a hard worker.)

4. Go to the Major Events (and events specific to your practice group)
Although you don't have to go to all of the events, it is important to be seen and to interact with others. Everyone wants to know that you will be a pleasant person to work with. Also, make sure you go to events specific to your practice group to get a head start in making friends, and identifying people you will want to work with when you return the next year.

5. Get an Ally on the Summer Committee
If possible, get to know some of the people on the summer committee and try to develop a relationship with them. You can try do this by inviting one of them to lunch or coffee. If you are able to cultivate a relationship with someone on the committee, it is likely that you can find out if there are problems ahead of time, and that person can also vouch for you when it is time to give out the offers.

Although I can probably come up with more, those are my top five. Anyone else have any other suggestions?