How to Get Good Assignments as a Summer

Not all summer assignments are created equal. Some give you real exposure to substantive legal work. Others have you reviewing documents in a windowless room. The difference often comes down to how proactive you are.

Understand the Assignment System

Firms handle assignments differently. Some use a central assignment coordinator — you get work through a portal or email blast. Others let attorneys approach summers directly. Many use a hybrid.

Before your summer starts, find out which system your firm uses. This determines your strategy. If it's centralized, your relationship with the coordinator matters. If it's free-market, your relationships with attorneys matter even more.

Be Strategically Available

When someone asks "Do you have capacity?" the right answer is almost always yes — especially in the first few weeks. Attorneys hand good work to people they know will take it and deliver. Being the person who's reliably available builds trust fast.

That said, don't take on so much that your quality suffers. One well-executed memo beats three rushed ones.

Express Genuine Interest

If you want to work with the M&A group, say so — to the assignment coordinator, to M&A attorneys, to anyone who asks what you're interested in. People can't give you what you want if they don't know you want it.

This is where pre-summer research pays off. If you've used the firm directory to understand the firm's practice strengths, you can have informed conversations about which groups interest you and why.

Build Relationships Early

The best assignments often come from personal connections, not formal systems. An associate who liked working with you will pull you onto their next deal. A partner who enjoyed a conversation at lunch might send you a research project.

This isn't about schmoozing. It's about being someone people want to work with: reliable, curious, and easy to talk to.

Ask for Feedback — Then Use It

When you finish an assignment, ask: "Is there anything I should do differently next time?" Then actually incorporate the feedback. Attorneys notice who listens.

What to Do If You're Getting Bad Assignments

If you're stuck doing only document review or ministerial tasks, talk to the assignment coordinator or your summer advisor. Be diplomatic: "I've enjoyed contributing to the team, but I'd love to get some research and writing experience too." Most firms want their summers to have a well-rounded experience. They'll help if you ask.

Check out our post on what summers wish they'd known for more advice on navigating the program.