LAW STUDENTS

"My 2L summer associate experience at Barnes & Thornburg solidified my interest in pursuing a career in corporate law with a focus in tax. I learned more about corporate law through my time with Barnes than I had in law school. The corporate department took a genuine interest in teaching and developing me as a future corporate attorney. This was evidenced by the quality of work that was given to me. In addition, Barnes provided numerous networking opportunities during the summer to foster a collegiate relationship with my fellow summer associates. I am blessed that I had the opportunity to spend my 2L summer with Barnes & Thornburg."

"When I started law school, labor and employment law was the furthest thing from my mind until I had the opportunity to be immersed in the practice area during my 2L summer at Barnes & Thornburg. Labor and employment is interesting because it is the best of both worlds: litigation and transactional work. As a summer associate, I drafted position statements for submission to the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission and employment agreements. I also was able to take on assignments in other areas, such as corporate and white collar criminal defense. If you’re looking for the unicorn experience where you will get to explore different types of law, get substantive work, build relationships and have fun, Barnes & Thornburg is the place you want to be!"

"Although it sounds cheesy, I feel tremendously fortunate to have had the opportunity to summer at Barnes. I was allowed to work and gain experience in my preferred area of practice right away, and the experience that I gained has already proved invaluable. For those still unsure of their preferred practice area, as summers we were encouraged to meet and work with as many lawyers in as many practice groups as possible. When I began the program, I was taken aback by how warm and welcoming everybody was. I was staffed on different projects with many different kinds of people, but all of them were willing to help or walk me through their processes. Barnes is a terrific place to summer and to begin your career, and I feel fortunate every day to have landed a position here. "

"My two summers at Barnes & Thornburg provided me with an incredible opportunity to understand what it takes to become a lawyer. From Day 1, I felt welcomed, valued, and entrusted with meaningful projects that helped me find what area of law I wanted to work in. The summer program was exceptionally well-structured, and the tasks assigned mirrored the responsibilities of a first-year associate. The genuine commitment to mentorship and guidance stood out, with attorneys generously offering instruction before tasks and constructive feedback afterward. Choosing to return to Barnes & Thornburg was one of the easiest decisions of my life, a testament to the experiences and community fostered during my time as a summer associate and law clerk."

"I spent two summers with Barnes & Thornburg as a summer associate, and both summers surpassed my expectations by providing an accurate representation of the day-to-day of a first-year associate. I was met by such a welcoming group of attorneys and legal personnel. Throughout the summer, I performed substantive work in various legal areas and received individualized attorney feedback. I also developed great working relationships with fellow summers, associates, and partners across multiple practice groups. Barnes & Thornburg’s summer program strikes the perfect balance between work and play, which made for a professionally challenging but also socially enjoyable summer."

"I had such a positive experience in the Barnes & Thornburg summer program. I was able to explore my interests through a variety of projects and assignments from several departments. I also got to meet and connect with attorneys from all across the country, who gave me valuable advice and feedback. My experience as a summer associate helped me feel prepared and confident to become an attorney."

"I am very grateful to have spent my 2L summer with Barnes & Thornburg. As a summer associate, I gained valuable, hands-on experience working with cases and clients, and was able to explore a wide range of practice areas. I also worked with a variety of partners and associates, and this helped me better understand the day-to-day of a Barnes attorney through all phases of a career. Everyone I worked with was immensely friendly and helpful, and took the time to ensure I was learning the valuable skills I needed. With the help of the attorneys and staff I worked with as a summer associate, I was able to decide on a practice area that I am thoroughly enjoying."

"Barnes & Thornburg is known for its sophisticated, client-focused approach to the practice of law, and for the collegial, collaborative approach permeating the hallways. Our summer associate program is no different, and provides the perfect springboard for launching a successful career. Summer associates are given the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the firm’s work and to see what the life of a Barnes & Thornburg attorney is really like. We seek the best future legal talent for our summer program because we want to build the future of our firm on that foundation."

"The hands-on, real-world practical work experience provided to the summer associates sets Barnes & Thornburg’s summer program apart. Our summer associates have the opportunity to work with over a dozen attorneys in multiple practice areas to provide real solutions to real legal problems. The summer associates who return as associates are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of being first-year attorneys. Of course, we also include interesting and unique social events that encourage team-building and camaraderie within the summer class, within the office, and firmwide."