Our summer associate program provides students with a realistic, challenging and gratifying exposure to the practice of law. Work assignments are demanding, varied and parallel the type of assignments handled by our entry-level associates. Summer associates are exposed to a broad spectrum of substantive practice areas. Quality feedback is provided on a project-by-project basis and on a formal basis at the summer's mid-point and at the end of the program. Each summer associate is assigned a shareholder mentor and an associate advisor who play active roles in acclimating the summer associate to the firm. Personal interaction with attorneys is promoted through a variety of informal and formal social events, educational seminars, and practice group meetings. Our goal is to ensure that each summer associate has an adequate opportunity to explore and define their practice area interests, while gaining an in-depth look at the daily practice of law at Akerman Senterfitt.

During the Summer Program, we strive to introduce our summer associates to the people that make up Akerman Senterfitt, and help them understand its history, culture and future. We work hard to provide a realistic sense of life as an associate.

Rather than a formal rotation system, during the summer one partner supervises the summer associates to ensure that each has full opportunity to work on a variety of assignments in different areas of the firm's practice and to permit them to meet and work with as many lawyers in the office as possible. A summer associate's desire for particular work is respected, and the associate therefore is given some amount of control over the projects assigned. Each Summer Associate is encouraged and given the opportunity to select and handle assignments from a variety of practice areas.

In addition to assignments involving legal research and writing, our summer associates are exposed to other aspects of the firm's practice, including trials, depositions, closings, and client conferences. Our Summer Program also provides an opportunity for students to become familiar with the cities in which the firm's offices are located and their surrounding areas.

The best way to get to know our attorneys and the cities where we work is to become acquainted with the people and places who define it. The Summer Program affords many opportunities to interact with attorneys and staff at all levels. Our summer events have included:

• VIP Tour of Universal Studios and Dinner at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
• BBQ at the home of a Partner
• CRASH-A-RAMA at Orlando Speedworld
• Cooking Class at Two Chef's in Miami
• Sunset Sail
• Comedy Night
• Marlins Game
• Bowling at Lucky Strike
• Big Brother, Big Sister Charity Picnic
• Annual Summer Associate Retreat