Law Firms

Feast and no famine for DC summer associates

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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.

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