Careers

Nadege Souvenir Hamline University School of Law Class of 2007 2006 Summer Associate

I knew going into Maslon's summer program that I was going to get quality work assignments, engage with attorneys, and participate in a variety of social activities. What I did not anticipate, however, was how much I would feel like part of the Maslon family in one short summer.

On the work front, I was given a variety of assignments - from research memos to a bill of cost application to summary judgment motions. The assigning attorney always took the time to give me background information on the matter, so that I could better understand where my project fit in. I felt that even as a summer associate, the work I did had value to the firm and to the client. In fact, I was often presented with chances to engage directly with the client, in meetings, during observations, and even, as an advocate. I was given the opportunity to argue on behalf of a client in front of a pension board of trustees. This experience was definitely a summer highlight - a chance to test my skills as a future litigator.

Over the summer, I had a chance to meet many of the Maslon attorneys, both in and out of the office. Partners and associates made a point to seek me out for observation opportunities such as mediations, depositions, client meetings, and trial. Hardly a day went by where I did not have lunch plans with at least a couple Maslon attorneys. In talking to the attorneys I realized two very important things: Maslon attorneys work hard & Maslon attorneys have lives outside of the office.

The summer's social events ran the gamut from impromptu happy hours to a cooking class to the Maslon Attorney Retreat (summer associates can and should attend). The social calendar never felt overwhelming; I even found time to participate on the Maslon softball team (I was not very good, but it was something new). One of my favorite events of the summer was not an "official" event. It was a dinner with my associate mentor and our families. As our daughters played and our husbands chatted, I learned more about life at Maslon, got a chance to ask all the "dumb" questions I could think of, and got to know my mentor better. My mentor was not required to invite me and my family over for dinner; she did more than what was expected of her. I have noticed that the "exceeding expectations" thing is very characteristic of Maslon attorneys.

I cannot say enough about my experiences as a Maslon summer associate. I highly recommend Maslon for anybody looking for a challenging, engaging, and enjoyable summer associate experience.

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