Law Students

You will often bump into partners who were once summer associates at Phelps. Former summer associates will tell you that they were prepared to practice at Phelps because the program provided an accurate view of life at the Firm. The relationships and memories made during the summer can springboard your career and establish lasting relationships. 

For questions about our summer program email pdrecruit@phelps.com or click here to apply online.

• Community – While the program dates across our offices vary, all summer associates are invited to connect either virtually or in person. It is important that a collegial environment is fostered across our footprint from the start and that our strong sense of collaboration is engrained at an early stage.
• Diving into our Work – As a full service firm our goal is to show you the full scope of our practice areas. Working across practice areas accurately reflects the experience of our lawyers and the collaboration among practice groups.  The program is designed to quickly allow students to become involved in the day-to-day activities of a law firm practice, including research and writing, attending depositions, investigations, hearings, motions and trials, and corporate and commercial closings.
• Mentoring – Access to experienced lawyers is an important part of our business model and is provided from the start of our summer program. Our formal mentoring program is designed to enhance the learning and development of our summer associates. This program creates connections and provides a sense of stability. Mentors regularly meet with summer associates and provide informal feedback and advice as well as insight into the firm culture and practice. 
• Professional Development – Good habits should start at the beginning of your career. Our belief that investing in our lawyers to maximize their potential starts during our summer program.  The professional development curriculum is designed to help summer associates develop skills and attain knowledge that will serve them well when they enter the practice of law.  
• Judicial Clerkships - Judicial clerkships offer lawyers an experience that is simply unmatched. Young lawyers receive behind the scenes insight on the daily operations of the judicial system. This exposure will enhance the trajectory of their career and provide invaluable relationships with counsel and the judiciary. The job inherently refines writing skills while giving a young lawyer a first row seat to observe advocacy skills. The skills gained during clerkships provide a healthy base for good habits in practice, client service and community leadership. We support summer associates seeking judicial clerkships after graduation.
• Social Impact – It is important that we enjoy the environment and community in which we live and work. The firm hosts a number of social and community activities that allow for more personal connections in a non-work environment. 
• Diversity – The best decisions are made when there are diverse views at the table. This is true for the Firm as well as for our clients. We seek to hire students that offer diverse backgrounds and experiences to our team. The Firm’s policy prohibits discrimination based upon race, sex, religion, color, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, marital status, age, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation.
• Interviewing – We always seek out great talent. Our lawyers participate in on-campus interviews throughout our footprint as well as collect resumes from students looking to live in our inviting region.  We collect resumes in the fall for our second year summer associate program. 

You will experience our unique culture from your very first day. Our leadership and administrative team are closely involved with our program and make sure you are provided with the right resources and introduced to the right people. Our goal is to build relationships and add to our client capabilities.