1.  What do you look for in a Summer Associate?  There is not a stereotypical Cox Smith Summer Associate.  A distinctive feature of our Firm is its diversity of personalities, backgrounds, talents and interests.  However, we must evaluate Summer Associates to select Associates, and a few characteristics stand out in our evaluation process.  An excellent attitude, a flexible and adaptive personality are pluses, as are character, maturity and a solid work ethic.

2.  How are Summer Associates assigned work?  We provide interesting work assignments similar to those performed by first-year associates.  Assignments for Summer Associates are filtered through each department's Project Coordinator.  The coordinator and mentor monitor these assignments to ensure that each Summer Associate experiences a variety of projects.  Each work project is evaluated by the assigning attorney, who is also responsible for providing feedback.  Rotating through two departments ensures that each Summer Associate works with numerous attorneys in the Firm.  This exposure enables Summer Associates to reaffirm or discover their own affinities for practice areas and to experience the chemistry generated by the differing work styles of our attorneys.

3.  What type of social life can Summer Associates expect?  Cox Smith has never been accused of being dull.  We take pride in our relaxed atmosphere and our reputation as a fun office where people actually like each other and enjoy socializing.  The summer social calendar reflects the diverse character and style of our Firm.  Our Summer Associates are introduced to things that we enjoy, from the battles of our favorite softball team to the best neighborhood pubs.  Typical summer events include dinner parties at Shareholders’ homes, a boat cruise around the River Walk, bowling parties, softball games, gallery tours, horse racing, repelling, cooking classes, happy hours, barbeques and concerts in the surrounding areas.  Summer Associates definitely depart with a realistic insight into the social milieu and culture of the Firm.

4.  Do you have a minimum week requirement? Cox Smith runs two six-week sessions. We ask that the Summer Associate commit to one of the six-week sessions. For the summer of 2008, the sessions are from May 19th to June 27th and June 30th to August 8th.

5.  Are Summer Associates expected to bill a certain number of hours?  We want Summer Associates to demonstrate their work ethic, but we believe it is unreasonable to expect a specific number of hours.  Our greater concern is that Summer Associates get an accurate sense of Cox Smith and enjoy their work and social experience.  We provide our Summer Associates with the freedom to focus on producing good work, not on reaching an arbitrary number of hours regardless of quality.

6.  How large is your summer class? Our class size usually ranges from between 10 and 20 students. We are proud to welcome 19 students to our 2008 Summer Class.

7.  What compensation will you provide the 2007 summer class?  Summer Associates receive a salary of $2,300 per week, with parking provided in the building’s garage.

9.  What do I wear to work during the summer?  Cox Smith has adopted a Business Casual Dress Policy.  While touring the floors, you will see everything from a suit to slacks and a polo shirt; however, I suggest dressing more towards the traditional side.  (If you have any questions or concerns regarding your attire, please contact our Recruiting Coordinator Anna Friesenhahn.  We want you to be comfortable!)

10.  Where will I live during the summer program?  Some Summer Associates stay with family or friends during their 6 weeks at the firm, however, others rent apartments through corporate housing programs.  Corporate housing programs allow you to rent fully furnished apartments in great areas by the week or month.  Most require a 4 or 5 week minimum lease.  Still another great resource is the internet.  Some summer associates have found sub-leases on line from Trinity University students who are leaving for the summer.  If you need assistance with housing for this summer, please contact Anna Friesenhahn.