Powell Goldstein's Summer Associate program provides a broad overview of the practice of law along with an in-depth exposure to our Firm, our people and our practice areas. We do this by providing real-work experiences, training and development activities, opportunities for pro-bono and volunteer work and fun social events. Our summer class is intentionally small because it is our goal that every summer associate will become a Powell Goldstein associate.

Real Work Experiences:

Rather than assigning them to specific practice groups on a formal, "rotational" basis, we encourage summer associates to gain exposure to as many practice groups as interest them. To do that, we compile a selection of work assignments, representing a variety of practice areas, from which summer associates may choose their projects. These assignments are projects that would ordinarily be handled by associates.

In addition, we have an established shadowing and observation program which encourages summer associates to to observe more senior lawyers in "first-chair" activities, including such things as observing courtroom appearances, sitting in on meetings or conference calls, or following the documentation of a deal.

Training & Development Activities:

We provide mentors for each summer associate to answer questions, help balance workload, adjust to firm life, assist with social integration and provide guidance throughout the summer.

Our practice groups are showcased throughout the summer in a series of presentations by our lawyers who are leaders in their field. Summer associates also learn the history of the firm and have the opportunity to meet with our Chairman, Associates Committee Chairs and other important members of the management team to learn where we came from, where we are going and what is expected of our associates.

Summer associates attend in-house training and development programs alongside partners and associates. They are also invited to attend practice group meetings where they observe the inner workings of our practice groups.

Each summer we also present opportunities for summer associates to convene with judges, political dignitaries and business leaders in the community.

Pro-Bono & Community-Service Opportunities:

Summer associates are encouraged to work on pro-bono matters and devote time to community service. For example, summer associates in Atlanta completed a research project for the Anti-Defamation League as part of the Charles Wittenstein Summer Associate Research Program. In Washington , summer associates worked on a team assisting a veteran in obtaining social security disability benefits.

Community-service activities include Service Juris Day, a community-service project which brings the Atlanta legal community together for a day of service, visits to Miriam's Kitchen, cooking and serving breakfast to the homeless, and participating in the Habitat for Humanity Buildable Hours project.

Social Events:

We believe that providing summer associates with opportunities to socialize and have fun is essential to fostering at an early stage the type of camaraderie that has always characterized our firm. Our annual summer associates' weekend retreat continues to be one of our most popular events. The retreat provides summer associates from all offices the opportunity to learn more about the Firm and each other while having a lot of fun in the process. Our 2007 retreat took place at Fripp Island Resort, South Carolina . See our summer associates getting to know each other here. Throughout the entire summer we offer formal and informal events geared toward developing relationships with your future colleagues. Activities include going to parties at the homes of an attorneys - a favorite for summer associates due to their casual atmosphere. Other activities include going to theatrical or musical events, touring the city, exploring local museums, attending sporting events, spending a day recreating off-site and learning a new skill like golf, cooking or painting.