Overview: Carrington Coleman Managing Partner, Monica Latin, and Partner, Debrán O’Neil, were guest speakers on Legal Talk Network’s Litigation Radio Podcast, hosted by the American Bar Association Litigation Section. They shared their thoughts on what they look for in an associate, how summer associate programs lead to job offers, and real-life tips for what law students can do to stand out in summer associate programs. 

Date: July 23rd, 2024

Episode Notes: It’s summertime, and that means it’s time for law student summer associate and clerkship programs. If you’re a law student, hear from two successful lawyers who used summer associateships to launch bright careers. Guests Monica Latin and Debrán O’Neil are partners at Carrington Coleman Sloman & Blumenthal LLP in Dallas. Latin is now the managing partner while O’Neil is the hiring partner who oversees the firm’s summer associate program. 

Together, the two provide real-life tips for students in associate programs. Hear the things they look for in an associate and clerk and how these programs lead to job offers. Associateships and clerkships are opportunities often not available to students in other career paths. Make the most of them. 

In a summer program, remember your goals. Do good work and build relationships. Remember why you’re in an associateship or clerkship. Hear what firms are looking for and how they judge performance. These programs are job interviews. Not just for the firm but for students exploring the firm. Learn what makes a good cultural fit. Both sides are observing each other. 

Attitude is everything. Be positive. Say yes to opportunities. And make the most of your summer program. 

To listen to the episode, click here, or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.