Summer Associate FAQs

Which Cozen O'Connor offices are hiring for the summer associate program?
Who may I contact for more information about your summer program?
Does Cozen O’Connor participate in on-campus interviews?
How soon after my on-campus interview will I hear from the firm?
How does the callback process work?
Does Cozen O’Connor cover expenses for callback interview travel?
How soon after my callback interview will I hear from the firm?
Does Cozen O'Connor hire 1Ls for its Summer Associate Program?
How long is Cozen O'Connor’s summer program?
Will I work on real cases?
Is there a permanent offer for me if I succeed in the program?
What types of social events can I expect?
Will I be in the library all summer?
Can I work on a pro bono project?
What type of training will I receive?
Will I have a mentor?
What kind of feedback will I receive?
How do I find Cozen O’Connor attorneys who are alumni of my law school?
 

Which Cozen O'Connor offices are hiring for the summer associate program?

Cozen O’Connor offers a unique experience for law students during the summer in some of its offices across the country and abroad. In addition to Philadelphia, we are pleased to offer a summer program in our Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Seattle offices. Summer associates in our offices are given a chance to learn first-hand what it is like to practice law as a new associate at Cozen O’Connor. Our summer associates work on assignments from all practice areas specific to their particular office, as well as accompany our attorneys to client meetings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and possibly attend court as well. 

Who may I contact for more information about your summer program?

Summer program inquiries should be addressed to our Director of Legal Recruiting Lauren Carella at lcarella@cozen.com. To apply for a position in our summer associate program, please submit a cover letter, resume and a law school transcript at www.cozen.com/careers/law-students

Does Cozen O’Connor participate in on-campus interviews?
 
Yes, Cozen O’Connor participates in on-campus interviewing at many law schools across the country. Here are some of the schools where Cozen O’Connor has interviewed on-campus in recent past years.
  • Brooklyn Law School
  • Fordham University School of Law
  • George Washington University Law School
  • Georgetown University Law Center
  • Howard University School of Law
  • Mitchell Hamline School of Law
  • Philadelphia Area Diversity Job Fair (PADJF)
  • Rutgers Law School-Camden
  • Temple University Beasley School of Law
  • University of Minnesota Law School
  • University of Pennsylvania Law School
  • University of Virginia School of Law
  • Vanderbilt Law School
  • Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law

How soon after my on-campus interview will I hear from the firm?
 
Cozen O’Connor aims to work efficiently and effectively throughout the recruiting season. After on-campus interviews, we do our best to make decisions regarding callback interviews within one to two weeks. 
 
How does the callback process work?
 
After on-campus interviews, we invite exceptional candidates to join us for our callback interview process. In previous years, we have invited students back to our office to interview with more attorneys. The callback interview varies by office location but will consist of either several one-on-one interviews with our attorneys or a panel interview with several of our attorneys. This year all callbacks will be done in-person. Our callback interview invitation will provide specific information about the structure of the interview
 
Does Cozen O’Connor cover expenses for callback interview travel?
 
Yes, in accordance with NALP guidelines, Cozen O’Connor will cover reasonable travel-related expenses associated with your visit to our office. Our recruiting department will put you in touch with our travel agency who will work with you to coordinate flight and hotel arrangements. All other reasonable travel expenses are refunded via submission of a NALP reimbursement form - http://www.nalp.org/forms?s=travel%20reimbursement%20form.
 
How soon after my callback interview will I hear from the firm? 
 
It is our goal to be in touch with all students as soon as possible after their callback interview. We aim to provide feedback to students within two to four weeks of their callback interview. We also encourage candidates to communicate with our recruiting staff for updates or to notify us of impending deadlines.
 
Does Cozen O'Connor hire 1Ls for its Summer Associate Program? 
 
Yes, Cozen O’Connor hires 1L students for its summer program! Each year, we assess the needs of our offices and determine where we will be able to hire 1L students. We also participate in multiple 1L diversity programs throughout the country. We consider 1L candidates after December 1 of each year per NALP guidelines. If you are interested, please submit your application materials at www.cozen.com/careers/law-students
 

How long is Cozen O'Connor’s summer program?

In typical years, our summer program begins in mid-May and runs through the middle of July for the U.S and through early August in Canada. Our U.S. summer program usually runs nine and a half weeks, and our Canadian summer program runs 12 weeks.

Will I work on real cases?

Cozen O'Connor's summer program truly exemplifies life as a junior associate after law school. We pride ourselves in providing the summer associates with a realistic experience of the responsibilities and high level of performance which would be expected of them as associates at the firm, and this could not be accomplished without assigning them to active cases. The summer associates work closely with the firm's attorneys on every aspect of a case and are heavily relied upon to produce an excellent work product consistent with the expectations of the firm. Summer associate work product is often shared directly with clients or is incorporated into a document or used in strategy formation.

Is there a permanent offer for me if I succeed in the program?

Our firm has never hired more summer associates than we could accommodate as entry level associates. We have been able to afford full-time employment to almost all of our summer associates while simultaneously hiring outside the summer program as well. Our summer associates never feel the need to compete among themselves; traditionally they work together and exemplify the collegiality which is the hallmark of our firm.

What types of social events can I expect?

The firm hosts summer associate events throughout the program.  Attorneys and summer associates get to know each other in less formal settings at events such as happy hours, sporting functions, and other cultural events.  Past events include receptions with various practice groups and other internal constituencies, mini golf, bowling, simulated golf, professional major league games, ax throwing, and much more.


Will I be in the library all summer?

No! Aside from educational programs and social events, summer associates are encouraged to attend client meetings, closings, depositions, court conferences and trials to provide them with exposure to all facets of the firm's practice.

Can I work on a pro bono project?

Cozen O'Connor has made a commitment to make pro bono legal work a significant part of daily practice at the firm. Summer associates also are encouraged to participate in pro bono cases and clinics throughout the summer. Through our Director of Pro Bono Engagement, attorneys at the firm can submit pro bono projects that are distributed to the summer associates. In addition, summer associates have the opportunity to participate in volunteer activities during the summer for a variety of organizations.

What type of training will I receive?

Cozen O'Connor provides its summer associates with an extensive training program. Following an initial day-long overview of the firm and summer program, orientation week continues with sessions targeting areas such as legal writing and time keeping. The firm also holds various training programs throughout the summer during which attorneys within the firm informally discuss substantive topics reflective of the firm's practice areas. Additionally, summer associates participate in a trial and deposition skills workshop where they have an opportunity to prepare and present a mock opening statement and also to take a mock deposition. Finally, the summer associates have the opportunity to attend practice specific training sessions and department lunch meetings.

Will I have a mentor?

Yes. Every summer associate receives a personal writing mentor and associate mentor at the beginning of the summer. The writing mentor will review the summer associate's completed assignments to offer constructive criticism of the summer associate's legal writing skills. In addition, the associate mentor assists the summer associates in meeting attorneys and helping the summer associates gain exposure to the firm. The writing and associate mentors help to acclimate the summer associates to the firm and are available to provide advice and guidance.

What kind of feedback will I receive?

Cozen O'Connor has an extensive evaluation process, which takes place throughout the summer. Summer associate assignments, in general, are submitted by members of the firm. The assigning member is responsible for overseeing the progress of the assignment and for providing feedback on the final work product. In addition, each attorney for whom a summer associate works reviews the summer associate's work product then meets with the summer associate to discuss the completed project. This enables summer associates to gain feedback with respect to the quality of their work product and any areas that might need improvement. Twice during the course of the summer, formal evaluations are conducted between the summer associate and the attorney administering the program. The first formal evaluation is specifically directed to providing summer associates with constructive criticism so they may improve any deficiencies through the remainder of the summer. The final evaluation takes place at the completion of the program and is a mutual give and take session so that the summer associate and the firm gain valuable insights from the summer associate's experience.
 


How do I find Cozen O’Connor attorneys who are alumni of my law school?

Use this link to search Cozen O’Connor attorneys by law school.

 

I think the strongest element of the summer program is that the program is equal parts challenging and fun. I got a good sense of the type of work that goes on at Cozen O’Connor but also a sense of the types of attorneys that work there. The positive interactions I had with the people at Cozen O’Connor is what drew me to the firm initially and what makes me want to go back after graduation.

2023 Summer Associate

I feel valued by my peers and my supervisors. I’m also given the opportunity to provide mentoring to others and share my passions with others at the firm.

Attorney in the Chairman’s Group

It is rewarding and challenging. My department co-chairs are excellent leaders and are always available for questions or support. The firm values employees’ wellbeing and work-life balance.

Attorney in Subrogation

I am appreciated every single day. I am a valued member of a magnificent team who all work hard to get the job done. Management had core principles that seem to align with my principles.

Employee in IP Prosecution Litigation

I have wonderful mangers and mentors who encourage me to develop as an attorney, begin marketing my skills, and move forward in my career. I feel very supported at Cozen O’Connor.

Attorney in Business Litigation

The attorneys I work for are great. I have nothing but respect for them. There is always something new to learn, which keeps the job interesting and challenging. The firm management appears to be very supportive and respectful of their staff.

Legal Practice Assistant

I work with an amazing group of people. We work hard and love what we do. The people at Cozen O’Connor are all team players and are always supportive.

Legal Practice Assistant

The firm provides a platform for me to utilize every bit of energy I can put into the job. Every need is heard, fairly considered and more often fulfilled. I have the opportunity to advance my career at Cozen O’Connor.

Employee in Public Strategies

I feel challenged every day. This is the most rewarding career I could have ever hoped for. I am so thankful for and love Cozen O’Connor.

Private Client Services

Cozen O’Connor acknowledges good work and encourages teamwork and comradery. They provide numerous tools and resources to educate and help in training, as well as physical and emotional well-being.

Legal Practice Assistant

We work hard but appreciate and value each other’s time and non-work commitments. Most importantly, my particular group of attorneys, support staff, etc. are phenomenal mentors, colleagues, and friends.

Attorney in Construction Law

I have the opportunity to do meaningful work in an encouraging environment with dedicated, capable, supportive colleagues.

Attorney in Real Estate

I get to help my team succeed every day and it is a privilege. Cozen O’Connor offers me the ability to use my skill sets to continue to grow and be involved in various aspects of corporate life including ERGs for Business Professionals and Pro-Bono work as well.

Legal Practice Assistant

I love the people I work with and I love what I’m doing. I love my clients. I consider myself so fortunate to be able to practice law at a firm like Cozen O’Connor. I tell anyone who will listen that Cozen O’Connor is “THE” place to work. I wish I spent my entire career here.

Attorney in Labor and Employment

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