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Summer Associate Experiences
Summer Associate Experiences | Summer Associate Experiences |
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The following are past summer associates' observations of the firm. "What impressed me the most about my summer at RC&A was the mentoring that took place from attorneys at all levels of the firm. Each person I worked with - whether it was a senior partner or a newer associate - made a sincere effort to train me into becoming a good lawyer. Not only did I receive thorough feedback on my projects, but the attorneys never hesitated in openly recognizing a job well done. Some of my projects included drafting entire summary judgment motions, conducting the initial review and legal analysis on a newly-opened complex litigation matter, attending client meetings, going to court, and traveling to our Denver office to work on a large-scale water allocation project. At the end of each day, I truly felt accomplished and that my contributions were an integral part of the firm. Aside from life in the office, the summer associate committee made every effort to show us what life outside the firm was really like. There were weekly lunches with various attorneys at the firm, dinner events at the shareholders' homes, trips to the Grand Canyon, and a number of other social events. My favorite was helping the RC&A volleyball team dominate the attorneys' league all summer. All in all, the decision to join RCA was an easy one that I never regret!" Andy M. Kvesic, 2005 Summer Associate Phoenix, Arizona "My summer experience allowed me to explore numerous practice areas. I was able to work with a variety of attorneys. The social events complemented the collegial environment of the workplace. My mentor provided the support and guidance necessary for me to make the most of my time. I enjoyed working side-by-side with such intelligent and hard-working attorneys. I believe that the summer experience prepared me for future legal study and work as a full-time associate." Jessica Ann Benford, 2004, 2005 Summer Associate Phoenix, Arizona "My summer associate experience at RC&A was rewarding on many levels. I was immediately impressed by the "open door" policy at RC&A and collegiality between attorneys at all levels. Although each summer associate is assigned a mentor, I found that all attorneys made a great effort to provide feedback on projects and make the summer associates feel welcome and a part of the team. As a part of that team, summer associates were given challenging real-life projects and an opportunity to truly see what life would be like as an attorney at RC&A. There was a tremendous sense of pride in knowing that your work was going to make a difference to a client. In addition, the many firm events and lunches on the social side of the summer program provided a great chance to get to know the attorneys and staff outside the office. It also allowed me to see an important aspect of RC&A's firm culture ... a respect and desire for life away from the office. I would strongly encourage any law student to take advantage of an opportunity to participate in the RC&A summer associate program. It is a decision you will not regret." Rhett A. Billingsley, 2004 Summer Associate Phoenix, Arizona "I had a great summer experience at RC&A. Looking back, the summer program really prepared me for life as an associate: working on multiple of cases at a time, balancing long-term and short-term projects, attending hearings, and meeting with clients and opposing counsel. In drafting memos and motions on a variety of issues, everyone from senior shareholders on down to the younger associates took the time to comment on my work and tell me what I had done well and how to improve. I learned a lot from my summers at RC&A. But clearly, the best part about the summers at RC&A was the people. Whether winning the league volleyball championship, taking in a Diamondbacks game, or just grabbing a beer at happy hour, I was constantly impressed by the firm's collegial and fun culture. I really enjoyed coming to work everyday during the summer, and I enjoy it even more as an attorney. RC&A isn't just a firm, we're a family." Thomas G. Stack, 2003, 2004 Summer Associate Phoenix, Arizona |