What Are Summer Social Events Really Like?

BigLaw summers are famous for their social programming. Depending on the firm, you might be looking at two or three events per week — dinners, sporting events, happy hours, cooking classes, escape rooms, you name it. Here's what to actually expect.

The Standard Lineup

Most firms mix a few categories of events:

• Group dinners — The backbone. You'll eat at restaurants you can't normally afford with partners and associates from a specific practice group.
• Firm-wide events — Bigger gatherings like a summer outing, rooftop party, or retreat.
• Cultural outings — Broadway shows, museum tours, concerts, sports games.
• Casual happy hours — Lower-key drinks, often with junior associates.
• Departmental lunches — Smaller and more conversational.

Are They Mandatory?

Technically, no. Practically, yes — for most of them. Missing one dinner because you have a deadline is fine. Skipping every event signals that you're not interested in the firm's community. People will notice.

That said, you don't need to attend every single optional happy hour. Pick the events that let you connect with people in practice areas you care about. Research the firm's groups beforehand using the firm directory so you can be intentional about where you spend your time.

The Alcohol Question

It comes up every summer. Here's the deal: drink if you want, but stay in control. One or two drinks at dinner is perfectly normal. Getting visibly drunk is one of the fastest paths to a no-offer. Nobody is tracking your drink count — they're tracking your behavior.

If you don't drink, nobody worth working for will care. Order a club soda and move on.

What to Talk About

You don't need rehearsed talking points. Ask people about their work. Ask associates how they ended up at the firm. Ask partners about the most interesting deal or case they've worked on. People love talking about themselves — let them.

Avoid: complaining about assignments, gossiping about other summers, comparing the firm unfavorably to other firms, and anything you wouldn't say in a job interview.

The Real Purpose

Social events serve two functions. First, they let the firm evaluate you in an informal setting. Are you someone people want to grab lunch with for the next several years? Second, they let you evaluate the firm. Do you like these people? Can you see yourself working alongside them?

Pay attention to how associates and partners interact outside the office. That tells you more about firm culture than any recruiting brochure.

How to Actually Enjoy It

Stop treating every event like a performance evaluation. Most of them are genuinely fun — you're eating great food and meeting interesting people. Relax, be yourself, and remember that everyone in the room was a nervous summer associate once.