Recruiting

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Importance of Summer Associate Program

Nearly 100% of our first-year associates are hired directly from our summer associate pool. For this reason, we put a great deal of importance on our summer associate program. The summer associate program is our opportunity to get to know you and for you to get to know the firm. It is our hope that a summer clerkship is a rewarding experience and the beginning of a long-term relationship.

Frequently asked Questions about the Summer Associate Program:

What does the firm look for in a summer associate?

We make offers for summer associate positions and permanent positions based on a combination of factors, some of which are listed here:

• Academic achievement
• Writing ability
• Oral communication skills
• Research skills
• Self-starter and problem-solver
• Committed to quality & detail-oriented
• Ties to Indianapolis
• Involvement in extra-curricular activities
• Poise, professional presence, maturity
• Relationship with colleagues and staff

How are work projects assigned to the summer associates?

We strive to treat our summer associates just like first-year associates. You will provide real work for actual clients and not write theoretical memos for imaginary situations. Attorneys will approach you directly with work assignments, and you will report directly back to each of them. You will probably be working on several assignments at once. Each summer associate will have a mentor who can assist the summer associate in prioritizing projects and answering questions.

What types of assignments will I be asked to work on?

As a summer associate, you will not be assigned to a specific practice area. Also, it is our hope that a first-year associate will stay “general” and not limit his/her work to a specific area. We strongly encourage each attorney to receive experience in all areas of the law before committing to a specific area of concentration. We believe this philosophy makes our attorneys (i) more committed to their area of practice after experiencing many different areas, and (ii) better attorneys in their field since they can draw upon their experiences in all areas to better serve our clients.

Summer associates may attend depositions, trials, client meetings, and closings, as well as prepare legal research, draft pleadings, leases, contracts, wills, and motions for summary judgment.

What kind of mentoring, evaluation, and feedback can I expect?

Each attorney is expected to give individual comments and feedback after each project is completed. Our attorneys are very dedicated to this process. In addition, there will be a formal review at the conclusion of the summer.

What will I be paid?

Summer associates who have completed 2 years of law school are paid $1,500 per week in 2008. First-year associates commencing in 2008 will be paid an annual salary of $92,000. Our NALP form has further details regarding this.

What is the dress code?

We have a business casual policy Monday through Friday. Law clerks or attorneys who have important meetings, presentations, and court appearances should dress accordingly.

What is the culture like at Dann Pecar Newman & Kleiman?

DPNK's mission is to provide large-firm skill, experience, and breadth of services while remaining a medium-sized firm. We take tremendous pride in delivering more than the client expects while staying within the client's budget. Our goal is to maintain an environment where each client receives the level of personal attention, expertise and attention to detail they expect and deserve from their lawyer. The talented men and women of DPNK make this client-focused commitment possible. If you share the desire to become an excellent lawyer and provide the level of service our clients expect, then we encourage you to apply for a summer associate position with our firm.

When a new associate is hired by the firm, he or she is expected to maintain a healthy business development schedule in addition to his or her growth in becoming a skilled attorney. We support our attorneys in their efforts to build a client base. We encourage them to become involved in community functions as well as network and develop other avenues to build a strong network of professional contacts. The firm places great emphasis on the associate lawyer developing good habits and staying committed to the process of business development.

For further information about the recruiting process at Dann Pecar Newman & Kleiman, or to submit your resume for consideration, please contact Karin L. Veatch.