FAQs

FAQs

1. How do I apply?
2. How many summer associates do you anticipate hiring?
3. Can you describe the interview process in a typical call-back interview?
4. How are assignments distributed to summer associates?
5. Do you have a mentoring program for summer associates?
6. Apart from assignments, how do summer associates learn about the firm and the communities in which it practices?
7. What kinds of social activities take place?
8. How do evaluations and offers work?
9. What is the salary for summer associates?
10. Are first-year law students considered for the summer program?
11. Does your law firm participate in pro bono activities?
12. Does your law firm have a written anti-discrimination policy?
13. What is your firm’s dress policy?

1. How do I apply? If you are a second-year law student and attend a law school at which we interview on campus, please sign up through your career services office. If not, please send a cover letter, resume, and law school transcript via email to the appropriate contact below.
   

   Indianapolis Lisa Watson Chief Recruiting Officer LWatson@taftlaw.com

   	Cincinnati, Columbus, & Dayton Jim Tomaszewski Director of Recruiting and Associate Advancement JAT@taftlaw.com
   	Cleveland & Detroit Cara Newby Director of Legal Recruiting & Inclusion CNewby@taftlaw.com
   	Minneapolis Mackenzie Sauceman Manager of Legal Recruiting & Professional Development MSauceman@taftlaw.com
   	Chicago Amy Nixon Director of Recruiting and Associate Advancement ANixon@taftlaw.com

2. How many summer associates do you anticipate hiring? Our hiring needs are evaluated on an annual basis and our summer program is staffed based on the number of new lawyers we anticipate needing the following year. We do not hire more summer associates than we believe we will be able to accommodate as associates.
3. Can you describe the interview process in a typical call-back interview? Taft interviews at several law schools throughout the United States. On-campus interviews are typically 20 minutes in length to allow us to meet as many candidates as possible. Students invited for call-back interviews meet a number of lawyers in the firm, including partners and associates.
4. Do you have a mentoring program for summer associates? Yes. Each summer associate is assigned at least one associate mentor who is available as a sounding board for projects, questions regarding firm culture, or anything else that may be of interest to the summer associate.
5. Apart from assignments, how do summer associates learn about the firm and the communities in which it practices? We offer departmental presentations and a variety of other presentations throughout the summer. In addition, the summer associates are invited to attend any presentations or training sessions offered to the firm’s associates. More importantly, you have the opportunity to spend time with the firm’s lawyers and interact with clients.
6. What kinds of social activities take place? Our social events are designed to help you get to know our lawyers and cities in a relaxed fashion. Different lawyers are invited to the events allowing you to meet a variety of people. Significant others are invited to some of the events. We believe that it’s important for everyone involved in the decision-making process to have a clear understanding of the firm and its people. The events vary by city, but we’ll make sure that you are well-fed and have fun!
7. How do evaluations and offers work? Summer associates are evaluated on an informal basis, by the lawyers for whom they are completing projects, throughout the summer. In addition, there is a formal mid-summer and end-of-summer meeting. At the conclusion of the summer program, decisions regarding the extension of offers are made.
8. What is the salary for summer associates? Salaries for the 10-week summer program are as follows:
   • Chicago: $41,350.
   • Cincinnati: $33,650.
   • Cleveland: $35,555
   • Columbus: $33,650.
   • Dayton: $33,650.
   • Detroit: $33,650.
   • Indianapolis: $33,650.
   • Minneapolis: $38,460.
9. Are first-year law students considered for the summer program? The firm hires first-year law students through our Taft Fellowship. Details about the Fellowship may be found here.
10. Does your law firm participate in pro bono activities? Yes. Information about the many volunteer contributions of our attorneys appears under Community Involvement. The information also appears on our NALP form.
11. Does your law firm have a written anti-discrimination policy? Yes. We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis prohibited by law, including race creed, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Visit our diversity and inclusion page for more information on how Taft promotes inclusion at our firm.
12. What is your firm’s dress policy? The firm has adopted a “business appropriate” attire policy for all offices. While you are not required to wear a suit, we strongly recommend having one on hand in those instances such as client meetings or going to court, when professional attire is required.