|
Smith Debnam’s summer associate program is designed to provide law students with the opportunity to gain practical legal experience through participation in a diverse array of projects and practice areas. We believe that our program not only provides meaningful exposure to the practice of law, but also facilitates the most effective forum for law students and our firm to become better acquainted with one another while evaluating the potential for permanent employment. Smith Debnam selects quality candidates for this program primarily from North Carolina law schools through on-campus recruiting at Campbell University, UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University,
Wake
Forest University, and Elon University. The firm also considers applicants from other top-tier law programs throughout the nation. Promising candidates will be invited to visit the firm to meet our partners and associates and gain a better sense of the Firm’s attorneys, staff, clients and work environment.
“My experience as a Summer Associate at Smith Debnam far exceeded my expectations. Not only was I able to observe many different aspects of the practice of law, in many different contexts, but I also was able to develop and improve practical skills that will help me
throughout the remainder of my legal
career”
Brian, 2L - University of NC at Chapel Hill
The Firm’s summer program focus is on those law students who will have completed their second year of law school and desire to invest the subsequent summer in a challenging and informative practice environment. Our goal is to allow participating students to explore the many aspects of the practice of law at Smith Debnam. To meet that goal, our program is structured such that each student spends meaningful time with a broad and diverse group of attorneys from within our firm, working with them on assignments ranging from researching and preparing briefs and legal documents for firm clients, to attending mediations, court sessions and client meetings. The diversity of our practice ensures a meaningful breadth of experience. Our summer schedule also includes various social activities designed to provide relaxed and informal interaction with partners, associates and firm management.
“My summer at Smith Debnam provided me with the best practical legal experience I attained during three years of law school. The program was extremely organized and fun, and allowed me to experience the ‘real’ legal world.”
Tom, 2L - Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University
To guide each student through the summer experience, a specific attorney is assigned to mentor each participant. The mentor attorney is responsible for monitoring the quality and quantity of work assignments and to provide important direction and consultation on the performance of assigned projects. Mentors are also responsible for obtaining and communicating regular feedback on each participant’s performance. Additionally, their role is to provide an ongoing opportunity for students to engage in general discussion of broader legal industry and practice management topics. Mentors work together with the summer program managers to produce the best possible summer program experience.
“My summer experience at Smith Debnam taught me more about the practical aspects of practicing law than any other experience I have had since beginning law school. The challenging workload was balanced by the opportunity to witness hearings, observe attorney client interaction, and attend fun social events. The attorneys really made the summer clerks feel like part of the family, and I know I will be a better lawyer because of my experience at Smith
Debnam.”
Teresa, 2L – North Carolina Central University
If you would like
information regarding our fall on-campus interview schedule, please
contact Brian Gilman, Director of Administration, at 919-250-2000 or via email at
recruiting@smithdebnamlaw.com.
|
