Summer Associate Program

Ungaretti & Harris' summer program consists of a small group of well-qualified second-year law students. The program is offered at our Chicago office only. U&H works hard to maintain the firm’s collegial environment, and we therefore search for students who blend academic excellence with a degree of maturity and a sociable personality.  Our goal is to provide summer associates with an opportunity to participate in a range of legal, professional and social activities that will provide a realistic experience of life as a first-year associate. We believe the small size of the summer program is an especially attractive feature in that it allows a degree of flexibility and personal attention not possible at many other firms.

Legal Activities.  The primary focus of any firm is providing clients with high-quality representation, and Ungaretti & Harris is no exception.  On the transactional side, this typically involves gathering information, analyzing the legal aspects of various business options and preparing the appropriate documentation.  In litigation, such work typically involves either representing the client in disputes or providing advice designed to help the client avoid, minimize or manage future liability.  An understanding of relevant law is critical in both areas. Research and drafting of memoranda, motions and briefs will thus be a large part of a summer associate’s experience. Depending upon what matters are in the office, summer associates may also have the opportunity to participate in factual investigation on behalf of the client, including client/witness interviews and document review.  Associates will also observe (and participate in to the degree possible) any depositions, negotiations, drafting sessions, closings, trials or hearings then in progress.

Professsional Activities.  Described by a local legal publication as “among the Chicago firms that have invested heavily in the training of their associates,” summer associates are warmly welcomed to our professional training programs.  Other activities will also help introduce summer associates to the Chicago legal environment.

Social Activities.  During the summer, the firm hosts a number of activities designed to strengthen and foster relationships among department members (or more simply put, to have a good time). Such activities have included a bowling outing, a boat cruise, a golf outing, a cocktail party at a trendy Chicago restaurant with a band, dinner parties, baseball games (including a rooftop event), a wine-tasting event and periodic smaller-scale expeditions.

All in all, every effort will be made to ensure that members of the program get to know the firm and have an enjoyable and professionally enriching summer.