Careers
Summer Associate Program
Our Summer Associate Program is designed to offer students a valuable learning experience and to provide a realistic view of life as an associate at Varnum within the growing Grand Rapids area.
Varnum's law school recruiting efforts begin with a review of students' credentials from law schools all over the country. We look for well-rounded individuals who have excelled in their studies, participated in extra-curricular activities and gained significant work and life experiences. We appreciate individuals who are professional, confident and personable.
We hold on-campus interviews for 2Ls at the following law schools:
- University of Michigan
- Wayne State University
- Howard University
- Michigan State University
- University of Notre Dame
- Northwestern University
- Cook County Bar Association Minority Job Fair
According to NALP guidelines, Varnum begins accepting resumes from 1Ls on December 1st of each year. If you are interested in applying, please forward your resume, transcript and writing sample to our Recruiting Coordinator, Kim DeBoer.
Working at Varnum
Summer associates receive assignments directly from assigning attorneys and are encouraged to seek out projects. This approach provides summer associates with direct interaction with attorneys while learning prioritization and time management.
To further experience the practice of law, Varnum encourages its summer associates to attend activities with our attorneys such as:
- Trials
- Hearings
- Depositions
- Client meetings
- Practice group meetings
Mentors and the Evaluation Process
To foster professional relationships and development, each summer associate has two mentors with one mentor being a member of the Recruiting Committee. Mentors act as sounding boards, workload moderators and advice-givers. Summer associates receive both informal and formal feedback from assigning attorneys. Summer Program Directors conduct mid- and end-of-summer evaluations which are an opportunity to:
- Discuss performance
- Listen to summer associate feedback
- Confer about practice group interest
- Develop strategies for future growth and development
Regular meetings with the Recruiting Coordinator and Summer Program Directors enable summer associates to have extensive input into the core components of the program, while assuring they are maximizing their learning from the program.
Pro Bono Projects
Summer associates are encouraged to handle pro bono files Varnum obtains through Legal Aid of Western Michigan. The firm's Pro Bono Coordinator explains pro bono processes and available resources to support summer associates as they meet with clients, assess situations, strategize legal options and represent their clients. The Grand Rapids Bar Association and Legal Aid of Western Michigan have recognized our summer associates and Varnum's unique program for providing equal access to justice for the elderly and underprivileged.
Social Activities
The Summer Associate Program also offers a balance of social events that takes full advantage of Grand Rapids, our thriving downtown, and its prime location near Lake Michigan. These events, which provide significant interactions between summer associates and our attorneys while highlighting the benefits of working and living in the Grand Rapids area, include:
- Citywide "Amazing Race"
- Sporting events
- Cultural events such as the Picnic Pops, Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts and touring Broadway musicals and concerts
- Outing to Lake Michigan
- Golf outings
- Dinners at partners' homes
These events allow professional and social relationship building with members of the firm to engender a collegial atmosphere which differentiates Varnum from other firms. The result is a truly unique career opportunity that fosters personal and professional growth.