Despite COVID-19, Warner Norcross + Judd proceeded with its summer associate program. “It was important to Warner to honor our commitment to our summer associates by moving forward with our summer program,” said Laura E. Morris, a partner and chair of the Summer Associate Committee.
After successful summer internships, all ten 2L law school students received and accepted associate offers to join Warner in 2021 after completion of their final year of law school. Laura continued, “It was equally important for us to honor what we told candidates during the recruiting process: unlike many other law firms, we only offer summer internships equal to the number of full-time positions we intend to hire. We do not believe in creating an environment where our summer associates are competing against one another for a limited number of slots. Despite the uncertainties of COVID-19, I’m proud we extended associates offers to all of our 2L summer associates.”
The summer associates spent eight weeks at the firm working on a variety of legal projects designed to introduce them to the practice of law while assessing their skills. Because of COVID-19, they all started their internships virtually before coming to work in-person in three of the firm’s offices: Grand Rapids, Southfield and Midland.
Safety protocols, including physical distancing and wearing facial coverings, were in place for both work engagements and social events. Summer associates enjoyed a mix of in-person events, including hiking, golf and small outdoor gatherings, along with virtual get-togethers.
Additionally, three 1L summer associates have agreed to return to Warner for two or more weeks in the summer of 2021.
The 2Ls who have accepted associate offers with Warner are:
- Katherine G. Boothroyd, University of Michigan Law School
- Scott M. Carter, Wayne State Law
- Mazen Hajali, Wayne State Law
- Joshua M. Hoebeke, Michigan State University College of Law
- Tessa G. Mallett, Michigan State University College of Law
- Joshua R. Reuter, Michigan State University College of Law
- Janelle E. Shankin, Indiana University Maurer School of Law
- Bill K. Warners, UIC John Marshall Law school
- Molly K. Williams, University of Michigan Law School
- Mark A. Zuccaro, Michigan State University College of Law
The 1Ls returning next summer are:
- Amy L. Baddley, Vanderbilt Law School
- Danica N. Hosaka, Notre Dame Law School
- Charles C. Kadado, Wayne State Law
Warner is one of only a few firms nationally that uses a lockstep compensation model, which is designed to encourage teamwork. Associate salaries are set based upon seniority, not total hours worked, which means client projects are routed to the most knowledgeable person in the firm. This compensation approach lays the foundation for better legal representation for its clients and a fun culture without internal financial competition.
About Warner
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
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