Q: What offices will host summer programs?
A: The firm is recruiting for summer programs in the Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Richmond, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. offices.
A: The firm decides each year whether to hire 1Ls and it varies by office location. Contact the recruiting manager for more information. Click here for a list of office contacts.
Q: How do I apply for a summer associate position?
A: McGuireWoods conducts preliminary interviews on 19 law school campuses and participates in four job fairs in the late summer. Click here for the list of law schools and the dates we visit in the fall. If we do not visit your law school campus, you may apply by submitting a resume, current transcript and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in McGuireWoods and your office preference. Click here for a list of office contacts.
Q: What are McGuireWoods’ hiring criteria for the summer associate program?
A: The selection process is highly competitive. Excellent academics, as well as superior writing and interpersonal skills are required. McGuireWoods is looking for highly qualified candidates with demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to their law school communities. The firm values both legal and nonlegal work experience in candidates.
Q: How long is McGuireWoods’ summer program?
A: The summer program is 10 weeks long. The program begins in mid- to late May and ends in late July.
Q. Are McGuireWoods’ summer associates assigned mentors?
A: Yes. Each summer associate is matched with one or two mentors for the summer. The mentors will help them acclimate to the firm and assist in all aspects of the Summer Associate Program.
Q: What types of projects are given to summer associates and how are they reviewed?
A: We encourage summer associates to try a broad range of projects in as many different practice areas as possible. The firm uses an electronic database to manage the assignment and review process. When possible, we allow summer associates to choose assignments that most interest them. We consider the summer program a learning experience and want each summer associate to benefit from frequent feedback during the course of the 10-week program. All summer associates will take part in formal midsummer and end-of-summer evaluations. They also receive constructive criticism on their written product whenever possible, and we encourage summer associates to be proactive in seeking feedback on their work throughout the summer.
Q: What types of pro bono opportunities are available to McGuireWoods lawyers?
A: As part of our commitment to client and community service, McGuireWoods lawyers are involved in significant pro bono work. Please visit our pro bono page for more information.
Q: What kind of training does a summer associate receive during the program?
A: Our summer associates work alongside experienced lawyers on real cases and transactions — the best kind of training for any law student. We also offer numerous opportunities for summer associates to attend department and industry team meetings to gain a wider perspective of the work the firm handles. In addition, summer associates are regularly invited to accompany our attorneys to court, and to attend clients meetings when appropriate.
As a highlight to the program, the firm also plans an annual three-day summer associate retreat, usually in our D.C. office and featuring a tour of the U.S. Supreme Court and a meeting with a Supreme Court justice. These three days are filled with information and training sessions designed specifically for our summer associates.
Q: I am a third-year law student. How do I apply for an entry-level position?
A: You may apply via email by submitting your resume, current law school transcript and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in McGuireWoods and your office preference. Click here for a list of office contacts, or click here to apply online.
Q: Does McGuireWoods offer seniority or compensation credit to associates joining the firm after a judicial clerkship?
A: Yes. McGuireWoods offers both a bonus and seniority credit to associates joining the firm directly from a federal district or highest state court clerkship.
Q: What are McGuireWoods’ diversity initiatives?
A: McGuireWoods is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our firm, the legal profession and our communities. Please visit our diversity and inclusion page for more information.
Q: How can I find out more comprehensive information about the firm?
A: Please visit the National Association for Legal Placement’s Directory of Legal Employers. Click here for the McGuireWoods page.
For complete details on applicant disclosures, please click here.