The resources that Willkie presented for Summer Law Clerks to learn, thrive, connect, and grow as young professionals have made a substantial impact on my legal career and will continue to do so in the future. In addition to all of the above, Willkie's diverse and inclusive culture empowered me to show up as my authentic self.
-Kenedi McCormick, University of Michigan Law School
What I appreciated most about my summer at Willkie was that I was given the opportunity to try, and was trusted with, a substantial breadth and depth of work. Each day brought on a fresh challenge and commensurately rewarding learning experience, and I completely trust that my experience will help me become a better junior associate, team member, and lawyer down the line.
-Yujin Kim, NYU School of Law
Mentoring And Feedback Are Key
Mentoring is central to our efforts to integrate new lawyers into the Firm, right from the start of their journey with us.
Each participant in one of our programs is assigned to a team of partner and associate mentors who make introductions, help ease the transition from education to practice, and otherwise provide guidance and support. Early professionals receive additional mentoring from the senior lawyers working with them, who make it a point to provide real-time feedback so that they are well supported and able to take advantage of all opportunities.
During my summer law clerk experience in Willkie’s San Francisco office, I was hoping to have the opportunity to do substantive work on interesting cases. That hope was fulfilled. What I didn't expect was to find a community of accomplished, impressive attorneys who are deeply kind and supportive of each other as people, not just as colleagues. I came to Willkie for the work, but I'm returning for the people.