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Why spend a summer at Bodman LLP?
Bodman takes its summer associate program seriously. In fact, most Bodman attorneys started their careers as summer associates with the Firm. Each year we hire individuals from a variety of law schools to work with us. During the summer, you will have a chance to do real legal work and get a chance to know our attorneys and your classmates very well.
How much does Bodman pay summer associates?
The summer associate weekly salary for 2008 is $1,923. This is the pro rated first year associate salary of $100,000. Unlike some firms, we do not pay summer associates less than first year attorneys because we value the contributions summer associates make to our firm.
Where does Bodman recruit on campus?
We interview on-campus at the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, Notre Dame, University of Detroit Mercy and Michigan State University College of Law.
See Our Campus Interview Schedule
Does Bodman hire summer associates from schools where they do not recruit on-campus?
Bodman hires the best summer associates available each class. In addition to the schools where we interview on campus, we have hired summer associates from the University of Chicago, Seton Hall University, Howard University, the University of Wisconsin, Washington University (St. Louis), Northwestern, the University of Illinois, Indiana University and Vanderbilt. We want to hire outstanding summer associates from top law schools who intend to practice in Michigan after graduation.
How many summer associates does Bodman hire?
We generally hire 4 to 8 summer associates each year. We intentionally hire a smaller number of summer associates than many other firms our size to provide summer associates with the individual attention they deserve and so that we can continue our strong tradition of extending an offer to each qualified summer associate.
What does Bodman expect from summer associates?
We look for people with the qualities that will enable them to succeed in the practice of law. These qualities include intelligence, good judgment, willingness to work as part of a team, willingness to learn and initiative.
Are there any social events during the summer?
We have a variety of formal and informal events during the summer. The highlight of the summer for our summer associates, associates and younger partners is the Bodman Folly. Each year we spend a carefree weekend at Barothy Lodge near Ludington, Michigan enjoying Michigan’s natural beauty, canoeing the Pere Marquette River, playing volleyball, swimming, hiking and enjoying each other’s company. The attire is shorts and t-shirts and no business meetings are held at the Folly. The sole purpose is for Bodman employees and their significant others to get to know each other. In addition to the Folly, the summer associates each summer attend a behind the scenes tour of Ford Field with our client, The Detroit Lions, attend a Detroit Tigers baseball game, enjoy a boat ride on the Detroit River and a number of other informal activities.
How does Bodman train summer associates?
We work hard to train new lawyers and that training starts during the summer. In addition to regular practice group training sessions, summer associates learn to practice law. We give summer associates real client work and bill the clients for their time. You will work on projects that would otherwise be handled by associates. We believe that summer associates want practical experience — not to write articles for partners or answer esoteric questions unrelated to the practice of law. You will work directly with a partner on each case and will not have work filtered to you through a more senior associate. We believe this hands-on approach, augmented by formal training, is the best way to learn to be a lawyer.
Are summer associates hired to work in a specific office?
During the summer you will spend the majority of your time in our Detroit office. However, each summer associate will spend two weeks in Troy and two weeks in our Ann Arbor office. In past years, summer associates have also enjoyed an informal weekend in our Cheboygan office.
Does Bodman give full time offers to summer associates?
We give offers to the vast number of our summer associates. We hire just enough summer associates to meet our projected employment needs, so that each summer associate is eligible for an offer of full-time employment based on work performance. Since 1997, we have extended offers of full-time employment upon graduation to 56 out of 58 (more than 96%) of second year summer associates. Nearly all of these offers have been accepted, with the rare exception being for those who decided not to return to Detroit after law school.
Does Bodman have a mentoring program?
The firm has both a general mentoring program and a program specifically designed for the summer associates. Each summer associate is matched with a member of the Associate Retention and Training Committee. These mentors are available as resources for the summer associates. They also review and provide suggestions on their work and ensure that summer associates receive feedback from partners for whom they have worked.
Is Bodman involved in pro bono work?
Each month Bodman attorneys spend hundreds of hours on a variety of pro bono projects. Bodman allows attorneys to select pro bono work that is interesting and inspiring to them. We have a Pro Bono Committee that reviews proposed work to insure that the projects do not present conflicts of interest with our existing clients. Assuming no conflict exists, Bodman lawyers have a wide degree of flexibility to choose their pro bono assignments. We also provide weekly intake services for the Legal Aid and Defenders Association and provide significant pro bono services for its clients. Community Legal Resources recently recognized Bodman for its dedication to pro bono services. See our Community Involvement page for more information on Bodman’s pro bono commitment.
What type of technology does Bodman utilize?
We have all the technological tools typically expected of a 21st Century law firm. Bodman’s five offices are linked by an integrated data and voice communications network. All of our attorneys have the choice of desktop or notebook computers. We focus on industry-standard applications to assure maximum compatibility with clients and co-counsel. We have a central document management system that allows attorneys in any office to review and access all of the firm’s materials from their desktop, as well as desktop access to many web-based research services. We also have a web portal so that attorneys can access e-mail and documents from anywhere in the world.
What are Bodman’s diversity initiatives?
Bodman is an equal opportunity employer and continues to seek outstanding minority candidates. Bodman has a Diversity Committee chaired by the Vice Chairman of the firm. Each summer, Bodman also participates with the Wolverine Bar Association and hires a first year minority summer associate selected by the Wolverine Bar Association.
Do most Bodman attorneys start as summer associates?
Many current Bodman attorneys started with the firm as summer associates. This is a reflection of how strongly we value the summer associate program. In recent years, the growth of the firm has exceeded that which could be satisfied through the summer associate program and we have added a number of superior lateral associates and partners to the firm.
See a List of Current Bodman Attorneys who were Summer Associates
See Bodman LLP’s Commitment to Diversity
Where did Bodman attorneys go to law school?
Bodman lawyers have attended over 20 different law schools throughout the country.
See a List of Bodman Attorneys by Law School