Law firms will move forward with opening summer associate programs in Florida and nationally. As COVID-19 threatens institutions, law schools have made an aggressive stance against the disease; with how to work in a virtual world and the recruitment process. Firms will reduce the number of physical attendees, and hold virtual meetings due to Coronavirus concerns. According to the National Association for Law Placement, 86% of law offices are continuing with the programs. Over two-thirds of offices surveyed have chosen to pursue programs of 5-6 weeks.
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More than half of responding offices have offered virtual programs instead of in-house courses. Many offices intend to use a mixed model of virtual and in-person experiences. Only 5% of respondents intend to have full-time physical programs. The opportunities for social meetings and end of day group get together’s will have to be achieved in new and creative ways. For the canceled summer programs, many firms have offered second-year students the opportunity to return as full-time associates.
Firms have not eliminated summer programs, as many experienced a legal talent loss following the 2008-2009 recession. This is due to these programs being an integral part of discovering new legal talent. Many firms have reported since offering extensions on job offers to 98% of their summer associates.
In a separate review by law school members, NALP said half of the law school members responded that they had already set dates to meet recruiters in 2021 when campuses reopen; but as most universities have postponed opening from January till February or Match, it’s somewhat an up in the air discussion.
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