Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply for Varnum's Summer Associate Program?

You can apply for Varnum's Summer Associate Program through an on-campus interview at your school. Students attending other schools are welcome to submit a résumé, writing sample, and law school transcript to the Recruiting Coordinator via e-mail. References and undergraduate transcripts are needed only on a case-by-case basis.

2. Do you accept pre-law student internship applications or externship applications?

Applications may be directed to our Recruiting Coordinator for evaluation on a case-by-case basis.

3. Do you accept 1L applicants?

Yes. There are a limited number of spots available.

4. I was unable to secure a summer associate position at Varnum as a 1L. Should I bother reapplying as a 2L?

Yes! Varnum welcomes applications from students who interviewed with us as a 1L. Our decisions concerning 1L candidates are always exceptionally difficult, especially given the number of applications that we receive.

5. I'm a 3L. Do I have a chance of securing a position with Varnum as an entry level attorney?

Yes. The number of anticipated position openings varies each year, but applications are always welcome.

6. Describe the interview process.

For 2Ls, the bulk of interviewing is done on campus in the fall. Shortly after the on campus interviews have concluded at your school, you will be notified as to whether Varnum has extended you an offer for a callback interview. If you receive such an offer, the callback interview consists of a half day of interviews at Varnum's office in Grand Rapids. Varnum pays for airfare or mileage and hotel accommodations for all callback interviews.

For 1Ls, the bulk of the interviewing is done on campus in February. The 1L callback process is very similar to the 2L process.

7. Are split summers allowed?

Split summers are considered on a case-by-case basis. We generally discourage first year students from splitting a summer because it substantially limits the extent of their learning and experiential process with us.

8. Does Varnum offer summer associate opportunities at their offices outside of Grand Rapids?

Varnum currently operates the summer program in our Grand Rapids office. However, within the summer program, opportunities may be available for summer associate projects in our Novi, Kalamazoo, Grand Haven, or Lansing offices.

9. What training opportunities are there for summer associates?

The Summer Associate Program provides extensive training opportunities, some of which include the following:

• A comprehensive orientation program
• One-to-one mentoring
• Any associate development training offered at the firm
• Weekly summer associate luncheons
• Topics for past summer associate Lunch N' Learns have included:
  • Ethics and confidentiality
  • Golf etiquette and lessons
  • The strategic vision and plan for the firm
  • Legal writing tips
  • 60 Minutes with Corporate Practice Group Chair Scott Huizenga - ask any question you would like!
  • Effective library research

The success of our program is a direct result of the efforts we make to tailor our training and Summer Associate Program to meet the individual needs of the students who spend the summer with us. We work hard to give each student the opportunity to be successful and learn and practice their legal skills.