Our summer associate program is designed to attract the most promising future lawyers and to introduce them to a firm and a region in which they can prosper throughout their careers. In recent years, we have hired four to five summer associates, with the intention that all may be eligible for positions if the "fit" is right; given clerkship and other temporary opportunities that inevitably attract some, we have tended to hire two or three each year as associates. The primary goal of the program is to enable us – and those prospective future colleagues – to make an informed decision on whether they will find this a rewarding place to practice.

Summer associates get involved in nearly every aspect of the law firm. We aim to give each of our summer associates an opportunity to work with as many attorneys as possible. Summer associates typically are given the opportunity to draft documents and to clarify legal principles. Some assist in the preparation of materials for CLE, speaking engagements or client training. We try to assign each summer associate to an ongoing matter, so he or she can learn from at least one project lasting the entire summer. Our attorneys work to be available to provide the communication necessary to help summer associates succeed, consistent with the "extended interview" nature of the program.

In addition to billable work, our summer associates are encouraged to observe attorneys as we meet with clients, conduct depositions, appear in court, and hold client training sessions. Summer associates are also specifically invited to attend practice area meetings and firm business meetings. The program is managed by an associate, who meets weekly with them to discuss work experiences, to coordinate opportunities to observe our attorneys "in action," and to ensure that they are getting helpful evaluations of their work. We commit to our summer associates that they will receive feedback for every significant project they complete.

The emphasis of the summer associate program is not on billable hours, but on high-quality work, a well-rounded learning experience, and an opportunity to get to know us. Summer associates meet with each of the firm’s shareholders and are invited to associate lunches throughout the summer. In addition, we find at least one opportunity during the summer for an informal social event to get to know each other better.

We offer positions in Eugene and Portland. We generally hire law students who have completed their second year of law school, though first-year or multiple degree candidates may be considered. The firm regularly conducts on-campus interviews at schools in Oregon, and we interview applicants from other schools by phone or when they visit Oregon. We prefer to interview those who are in the top 20 percent of their class and involved with a law journal and/or a moot court program, but have been open to candidates who have otherwise distinguished themselves. The firm seeks candidates with superior research and writing skills who demonstrate initiative, confidence, and a personality consistent with our focus on client service.

For more information about becoming a summer associate with HLGR, click here.