Feast and no famine for DC summer associates
Law firms are competing for the best summer associates and trying to integrate them into the culture with food—lots of food—as well as social outings and law-firm swag.
The National Law Journal (sub. req.) contacted firms to learn about the perks.
In the food category, at least two law firms—McDermott, King & Spalding, and Hogan Lovells—treat their associates to crab dinners. Associates with no lunch plans at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr can find a dining partner through a “lunch Hotline” listserv. Associates at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Hogan Lovells and Arnold & Porter participate in Iron Chef-type cooking competitions.
Social outings include a 90s theme party at Hogan Lovells; a Washington Nationals outing in private boxes at several firms; a jazz walking tour at Latham & Watkins; a Segway tour of Washington, D.C., monuments at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr; and a White House tour at Hogan Lovells.
Free law-firm branded swag includes backpacks, gym bags, golf balls, beach bags, beach towels and coolers. Associates at Wilmer get a blanket with built-in speakers, windbreakers and a snuggie.
Associates concerned about summer weight gain can check out this advice from the Corporette blog.