As summer associate programs kick off, lots of junior associates are getting their first real taste of delegating, mentoring, and supervising someone beneath them. But many associates take on these responsibilities without much instruction or advice on how to succeed in this new role, even as they are forming the habits and practices that will carry them through their careers.
During this crucial time in their professional development, it's important to set them off on a path to success. That's why we've put together this list of tips that you can share with your associates to help them master this new skill.
5 Tips for Managing Summer Associates
(1) Prep in advance. Before meeting with your summer associate, gather any background materials and information the summer will need to understand and complete their assignment. Make notes of important tips or reminders so you will have them handy when you meet.
(2) Be as specific as possible about the desired outcome of the assignment. You shouldn't be telling them step by step how to complete the assignment, but you should tell them what you expect the finished product to look like. If there is some flexibility, let them know the range of possibilities.
(3) Be specific about the final deadline, and about interim deadlines too. For example - don't say "we need this done by Friday" if you need a finished product by Friday. Instead, say, please get me a draft by 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, so we will have time to revise before giving the partner a finished product on Friday.
(4) Be available to answer questions, and check in with the summer associate from time to time.
(5) Take ownership. Know that you are ultimately responsible for the final work product that goes to your senior associate or partner. Review the summer associate's work closely and work with them to polish it - but it's your responsibility to make sure it's in good shape for the next level of review.
By: Kandice Thorn, Founder, WorkBetter for Lawyers
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