The firm utilizes its Summer Associate Program as an opportunity to evaluate both the Summer Associate's work product, and his or her compatibility with the firm. The program also allows Summer Associates to make an informed decision about the firm and its practice. Summer Associates are given the opportunity to work in all areas of the law firm, thus providing maximum exposure to the firm's practice and its attorneys. To assist in the transition from law school to private practice, each Summer Associate is assigned a Reader and a Mentor to assist in introducing the Summer Associate to our firm and the practice of law. The Reader will assist with legal writing, and offer regular feedback and assistance.  Mentors are individuals the Summer Associates can consult for guidance outside the scope of work assignments and projects. They offer extra support to our summer program, as well as additional opportunities for Summer Associates to interact with partners of the firm on a regular basis.

All attorneys in the firm participate in the Summer Associate Program. The firm hosts several social and recreational events throughout the summer to ensure each Summer Associate has an opportunity to become acquainted with the attorneys in the firm and with the Atlanta area.  

Upon completion of the Summer Program, new associates are placed in those areas of firm practice in which an interest is indicated during their Summer Associate experience, so long as there is an available opening.

Questions and Answers:

Q: How do I apply for a summer position?

A: If you are a second year student and attend Emory University, Georgia State University, Mercer University, the University of Georgia or Vanderbilt University, the firm conducts on-campus interviews at these universities in the Fall of each year. Please contact your Career Services Offices to sign up for on-campus interviews and provide your resume and a copy of your transcript. If you do not attend one of these universities and you are interested in employment with our firm, please forward your cover letter, resume, transcript and writing sample to Lisa Hoard, Recruiting Manager, in early Fall of your second year of law school. She will ensure your resume is reviewed by our Hiring Committee, that you are given consideration for a position and that you receive prompt, honest and accurate communication about the status of your application. Ms. Hoard can be reached via e-mail at lisa.hoard@swiftcurrie.com. You can also contact her via regular mail or fax. Please see our "Contact Us" page for the address.

Q: What is Swift Currie’s criteria for summer applicants?

A: We are interested in hiring Summer Associates with an interest in permanent employment with our firm. We have evolved from a practice originally dedicated to insurance defense to a full-service litigation firm with twenty-one areas of practice.

We do not have fixed criteria for grades or law school activities and we do not limit our pool of applicants to members of law journals or moot court societies. High grades often indicate aptitude for law practice. Participation in law journal indicates skillful writing and moot court indicates skill in verbal expression. However, Swift Currie looks at all of a candidate's attributes and does not screen applicants on the basis of any particular factor.

Q: I've been scheduled for an office visit - how should I prepare for my interview?

A: Be prepared to express how you want to practice law. Consider what type of work interests you. Litigation? Workers’Compensation? You will be asked what you want to accomplish over the summer and what you want to accomplish in your first several years of practice after law school. Your answers will help you to evaluate our firm, and help us to evaluate you.

Browse through the profiles of various practice groups in the firm. Consider what practice group(s) may fit your background and interests. Be prepared to ask questions about the types of work in which each practice group excels.

Browse through our professional profiles. Seek out individuals with backgrounds similar to yours. Be prepared to ask questions and to make the most of the time you will spend with our attorneys while you are here.

Q: What is the philosophy of the summer program?

A: It is not our intention to create a "summer camp" atmosphere to woo high-achieving students.  We want summer associates to finish the summer with an accurate understanding of the life of a first-year associate at Swift Currie. To accomplish this, we assign projects to Summer Associates as if they were starting at the firm after law school. We believe that Summer Associates need this experience to make an informed decision if and when Swift Currie extends a permanent offer at the close of the summer.

Q: Do you allow students to split summers?

A: Yes. We support split summers, as long as students can devote a minimum of six weeks of the summer to our summer program. Students who split the summer must spend the first half of the summer with us.

Q: How will I be evaluated?

A: On an individual basis, by every attorney that reviews your work or interacts with you. First, you will receive real-time feedback from supervising attorneys as you work on and complete each assignment. Second, we conduct a formal mid-term review with Summer Associates where a two-way evaluation takes place. Third, each Summer Associate has a formal exit evaluation and interview at the close of the summer.

At each stage, the Summer Associate gets direct and honest feedback on his or her performance. We will also ask for any feedback the Summer Associate has about the firm or the Summer Program.