Make your summer investment pay off

"One of the most important things I think law students need to remember when starting their summer jobs is that they are entering into a professional environment where they are expected to act like young lawyers. It is crucial to not only complete work assignments with a degree of professional skill, but to also act in a professional manner, especially towards junior or support staff. If you have a secretary during your summer job, that person's view of you will often spread through the workplace faster than a supervisor's impression of your work." - Andrew Weaver'02, Associate, Cleary Gottlieb, New York, New York

As you head into a summer position, whether with a private firm or public entity, whether for pay or as a volunteer, hold yourself to these standards:

• 1. Demonstrate the enthusiasm, reliability and work ethic that legal employers expect.
• 2. Be a team player.
• 3. Dress for success.
• 4. Show you understand that your employer is a business, needing to maximize production and minimize expenses.
• 5. Make sure every assignment you turn in is "A" quality.

As a related opportunity, the Columbus Bar Association's Legal Research and Information Resources Committee will present its 2010 Summer Associate Seminar, Summer Success: Practical Tips & Strategies, on Friday, May 28 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This seminar is designed for first or second-year law students who are summer associates at law firms, courts, or government offices in Columbus. The seminar is free to attend, however, pre-registration is required due to the format of the presentations.