Summer Associate Program

The primary focus of our Summer Associate Program is to offer future attorneys the opportunity to work for a comprehensive, full service, mid-size firm in West Michigan. Our program is designed to expose you to the professional and social opportunities within our community.

What professional assignments will I experience?

We understand that you are looking to identify and evaluate whether you would enjoy the private practice of law as well as what areas of law you might like to focus upon as your career develops. We offer you the opportunity of exposure and assignments from all of our practice groups and a broad range of our lawyers.

While your summer will certainly involve research and writing on a wide range of legal problems, you will be working alongside attorneys who have been consistently recognized for their excellence by peers and professional organizations such as Martindale Hubbell, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. You also will have the opportunity to attend court appearances, client meetings, depositions, mediations, practice group meetings, and professional association activities. Throughout the process, you will be paired with a shareholder and an associate who serve as your mentors by providing assistance in completing assignments, providing feedback, and identifying resources available in the firm and the community that can help you have a successful and enjoyable summer placement.

What social opportunities are available to summer associates?

Social activities vary each summer but typically include attendance at the firm’s summer outing event, golf outings, event sponsorships, participation in the corporate running team and lunch or dinner receptions with shareholders and practice group chairs, as well as numerous informal and impromptu opportunities to interact with lawyers at all levels throughout the firm. Additionally, continuing with the philosophy set by our firm’s founders, we believe that to effectively serve the community, members of the firm need to be involved in the community. Many opportunities are available for volunteer service work through various community non-profit organizations with which the firm and its members have on-going relationships.

What are the compensation and benefits offered?

Salary is competitive with area offerings. We arrange for and cover the cost of daily parking. We also can assist you in locating housing for the summer.

Why would I want to call West Michigan home?

For over 50 years, Rhoades McKee has been providing services to West Michigan. Only minutes from Lake Michigan and countless in-land lakes, Grand Rapids has a vibrant and developing downtown community and expanding suburban living options. The West Michigan region offers countless cultural, entertainment, sporting, recreation and advancing educational opportunities. We invite you to view and learn more about the area by providing links to the following sites:

www.hellowestmichigan.com
www.grnow.com
www.rightplace.org
www.grandrapidssocialdiary.com
www.rapidgrowthmedia.com
www.grandrapids.org
www.grandhavenchamber.org

What are the qualifications for summer associates? 

Second Year Law Student
Class Rank Top 40%
Prior Professional Experience Viewed Favorably

How do I begin the application process?

If you are a second year law student with interest in exploring more about our firm and community, please email a letter of introduction, writing sample, transcript and resume to Shawn Hagan, Human Resources Manager, at smhagan@rhoadesmckee.com or contact her at 616.233.5171.

Summer Associate Program

The primary focus of our Summer Associate Program is to offer future attorneys the opportunity to work for a comprehensive, full service, mid-size firm in West Michigan. Our program is designed to expose you to the professional and social opportunities within our community.

What professional assignments will I experience?

We understand that you are looking to identify and evaluate whether you would enjoy the private practice of law as well as what areas of law you might like to focus upon as your career develops. We offer you the opportunity of exposure and assignments from all of our practice groups and a broad range of our lawyers.

While your summer will certainly involve research and writing on a wide range of legal problems, you will be working alongside attorneys who have been consistently recognized for their excellence by peers and professional organizations such as Martindale Hubbell, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. You also will have the opportunity to attend court appearances, client meetings, depositions, mediations, practice group meetings, and professional association activities. Throughout the process, you will be paired with a shareholder and an associate who serve as your mentors by providing assistance in completing assignments, providing feedback, and identifying resources available in the firm and the community that can help you have a successful and enjoyable summer placement.

What social opportunities are available to summer associates?

Social activities vary each summer but typically include attendance at the firm’s summer outing event, golf outings, event sponsorships, participation in the corporate running team and lunch or dinner receptions with shareholders and practice group chairs, as well as numerous informal and impromptu opportunities to interact with lawyers at all levels throughout the firm. Additionally, continuing with the philosophy set by our firm’s founders, we believe that to effectively serve the community, members of the firm need to be involved in the community. Many opportunities are available for volunteer service work through various community non-profit organizations with which the firm and its members have on-going relationships.

What are the compensation and benefits offered?

Salary is competitive with area offerings. We arrange for and cover the cost of daily parking. We also can assist you in locating housing for the summer.

Why would I want to call West Michigan home?

For over 50 years, Rhoades McKee has been providing services to West Michigan. Only minutes from Lake Michigan and countless in-land lakes, Grand Rapids has a vibrant and developing downtown community and expanding suburban living options. The West Michigan region offers countless cultural, entertainment, sporting, recreation and advancing educational opportunities. We invite you to view and learn more about the area by providing links to the following sites:

www.hellowestmichigan.com
www.grnow.com
www.rightplace.org
www.grandrapidssocialdiary.com
www.rapidgrowthmedia.com
www.grandrapids.org
www.grandhavenchamber.org

What are the qualifications for summer associates? 

Second Year Law Student
Class Rank Top 40%
Prior Professional Experience Viewed Favorably

How do I begin the application process?

If you are a second year law student with interest in exploring more about our firm and community, please email a letter of introduction, writing sample, transcript and resume to Shawn Hagan, Human Resources Manager, at smhagan@rhoadesmckee.com or contact her at 616.233.5171.