Arnall Golden Gregory LLP is proud to have a track record of successful summer associate programs, consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation and in Atlanta, according to the annual survey conducted by The American Lawyer. You may click here to see the 2006 summer associate survey and AGG’s feature story in The American Lawyer.
Size of Summer Program We historically hire between 5-10 law students for our summer associate program. The small size of our class allows us to personalize each student’s summer experience. From the first day, summer associates receive challenging work in areas of law that interest them. Participation and interaction among our attorneys, support staff and fellow summer associates provide a realistic, productive and gratifying experience. Spending a summer with AGG exposes summer associates to life in our law firm and ultimately guides the future of their careers. AGG’s 2010 summer associate class includes four second-year law students from three different law schools:
Summer Program Dates The 2010 summer associate program begins Tuesday, June 1, and ends Friday, July 23.
Summer Associate Compensation In 2009, summer associates were compensated $1,900/week. Summer associate compensation is reviewed annually and may be adjusted.
Summer Associate Sponsors
Summer associates are assigned to partner and associate sponsors. Sponsors provide guidance on successful practice management and methods for client and career development, as well as assistance with the summer associate's introduction and integration into the firm. Both sponsors are available to discuss work assignments and to address questions regarding any facet of our summer program and firm. Summer Associate Work Assignments and Evaluations Attorneys wishing to assign work to a summer associate are required to complete and submit a work assignment request form. Projects are then assigned by the Work Assignment Coordinator, who is ultimately responsible for managing summer associate work flow throughout the program. A summer associate’s particular areas of interest and current work load are taken into consideration when assigning projects. Through our work assignment process, we intend to provide summer associates with a variety of projects and the opportunity to work with as many AGG partners and associates as possible throughout the summer program.
While attorneys are available to answer questions and provide feedback throughout the course of a work assignment, our evaluation process ensures summer associates receive constructive reviews of their work. For each completed project, the assigning attorney is required to complete an evaluation form. Summer associates receive a formal performance review conducted by the Hiring Partner, Director of Attorney Recruitment and Work Assignment Coordinator at the conclusion of the summer program. In addition, at the conclusion of the summer associate program, the Recruitment Coordinator conducts exit interviews for each summer associate. Summer Program Activities The summer program is an exciting and enjoyable time for summer associates and attorneys. We plan a calendar with many social and community activities, which provide an excellent opportunity for summer associates to get to know members of the firm and the city of Atlanta. In recent years, AGG’s summer program included trips to well-known Atlanta landmarks such as the Georgia Capitol, the Carter Center, the CNN Center, the Martin Luther King Center, the New World of Coca-Cola, Turner Field and the Georgia Aquarium. Popular group outings have included lunches and dinners at several unique restaurants, dinner parties at partners’ homes, rafting excursions, bowling tournaments, movie outings and an annual "AGG Trivia Scabenger Hunt." In addition, small group outings have included concerts at Chastain and Braves games at Turner Field. Here's what a few past summer associates have to say about their AGG experience:
“I had a wonderful experience as an AGG Summer Associate. Every aspect of the summer program was exactly what I hoped it would be. The work assignments were challenging and aligned with my interests. The attorneys that supervised me offered meaningful feedback and provided excellent mentorship. Most importantly, I made friends, had fun and developed a real sense of belonging with the AGG family. AGG is truly a special place that is committed to seeing associates succeed. I can’t wait to join the firm full time.” -- Diana Rusk – Yale University “I had a great summer at AGG. The summer program presented the right balance of both work and play. I was given work assignments that gave me an idea of what I would be doing as an associate. The program was structured in a way that allowed me to choose interesting work assignments in the areas of law I liked most. The attorneys at AGG were always friendly, and many were able to attend the social events held throughout the summer. I was given the opportunity to really get to know the partners, as well as the associates at AGG. Overall, it was a great place to spend the summer.” -- Zach Wilson – Emory University "Simply put, AGG makes practicing law a more rewarding endeavor than it is elsewhere. The high level of retention and fact that so many associates would work nowhere else signifies that this hallmark is substantive rather than superficial. As a result, an uncommon enthusiasm manifests itself at all levels of the firm and is very obviously self-reinforcing, which I believe can only enhance the overall vitality of AGG's legal work product and the long-term prosperity of the firm." -- Harry Camp – University of Virginia “I had heard great things about AGG, and was quite excited when I was offered a clerkship. The summer lived up to my expectations – and I am not referring to the trip to the mountains, the whitewater rafting, fancy dinners or other such activities that are quite common at prestigious firms these days. I am referring to the genuinely down-to-earth and bright people that make up this firm and set it apart. Despite having a choice to go elsewhere, I chose to spend my summer at AGG because I had heard that the firm's work environment was what kept people there. A year later, I joined the firm as an associate. I hope to stay for a long, long time.” -- Anuj Desai – University of Georgia "My experience as a summer associate exceeded my expectations. The program strikes a great balance in providing both significant work opportunities and a chance to interact in an informal setting with the firm's attorneys. At AGG, there is no hint of a tiered caste system that divides partners, associates, and summer associates. The summer afforded me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships at all levels within the firm, both professionally and personally." -- Terrell Gilbert – Georgia State University “My summer experience at AGG wasn’t just about learning about the firm – it was about building relationships with its members. Unlike other summer programs, I was given the opportunity to work in each practice group and to tailor my work experience over the summer as my interests also changed and grew. Through the variety of work experiences and unique social activities, I was able to meet and work with partners and associates from across the board. Today, I have continued to maintain those relationships and despite being assigned to a particular practice area, no one in the firm is a stranger to me. My experience as a summer associate contributed to creating an ideal work environment.” -- Neera Makwana – Georgia State University
AGG Recruitment: Who’s who? Rick Mitchell, Hiring Partner Bliss Stone, Director of Attorney Recruitment Marisa Reeves, Recruitment Coordinator To view AGG's 2010 NALP Form, please click here.
