Careers
Law Students
FAQ
Recruiting Calendar
NALP Form
Summer Associate Program
Lewis Wagner provides a Summer Associate Program for second-year law students. Our program offers a unique opportunity for law students to gain experience in a variety of areas of civil litigation, business and personal services legal work. Summer associates conduct legal research, draft motions and pleadings, conduct investigations, interview witnesses, and work directly with clients and attorneys during their summer with the firm.
The attorneys at Lewis Wagner are committed to exposing our Summer Associates to hearings, trials, depositions, and mediations to educate these future lawyers by way of observation. Through this experience, students can encounter the different styles and techniques of our litigators and business lawyers.
The firm seeks candidates from a variety of law schools with strong research and writing skills, public speaking proficiency and professionalism. In hiring Summer Associates, Lewis Wagner has an eye toward individuals who make a good fit with our hard-working and sociable culture. Several firm activities are planned throughout the summer to ensure that our Summer Associates are well acquainted on a personal level with each and every one of our outstanding lawyers.
A team of five attorneys acts as the Summer Associate Committee to provide instruction, mentoring, and liaison to the firm as a whole. Summer associates will receive a number of detailed evaluations regarding their individual projects as well as their overall performance to provide them with comprehensive feedback of their work.
Lewis Wagner participates in on-campus interviewing at Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis, Indiana University School of Law-Bloomington and Indianapolis Bar Association Diversity Job Fair. Interested candidates should submit their resumes to attorney Stephanie L. Cassman, Recruitment and Hiring Coordinator, at the link below or by mail.
FAQ
How do I apply?
Send a copy of your cover letter, resume and law school transcript to the Recruitment and Hiring Coordinator, Stephanie L. Cassman via email at
scassman@lewiswagner.com or by mail to LEWIS WAGNER, 501 Indiana Ave. Ste. 200 Indianapolis, IN 45202.
How many summer associates do you anticipate hiring for the 2010 Summer Program?
We have hired two summer associates for 2009 and anticipate we will also hire two summer associates for the 2010 summer program.
At what schools do you conduct on-campus interviews?
We conduct on-campus interviews at Indiana University School of Law-Bloomington and Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis. We also participate in the Indianapolis Bar Association Diversity Job Fair and the Gateway to Diversity Program.
Are resumes welcome from students attending law schools other than those law schools where on-campus interviews are held?
Yes. We encourage law students from all law schools to submit resumes. Send a copy of your cover letter, resume and law school transcript to the Recruitment and Hiring Coordinator, Stephanie L. Cassman via email at
scassman@lewiswagner.com or by mail to LEWIS WAGNER, 501 Indiana Ave. Ste. 200 Indianapolis, IN 45202.
Can you describe the interview process?
On-campus interviews are typically 20 minutes at length to allow us to meet as many candidates as possible. Students invited for call-back or second round interviews are invited to the firm to meet the rest of the Hiring/Recruiting Committee as well as a number of other partners and associates. The second round interviews are ½ day beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding with lunch with members of the firm.
What is the minimum amount of time I must commit to the summer program?
The Summer Program begins mid-May upon the conclusion of second semester law school classes and concludes in mid-August.
What is the compensation for summer associates?
Summer associates are paid a salary of $1,250 per week.
What type of assignments will I receive?
Summer associates receive projects in all practice areas. Projects may involve legal research and analysis, drafting discovery or working with a client to respond to written discovery, obtaining statements from witnesses, investigation, brief writing, and assistance in preparing for depositions and court hearings. Summer associates are encouraged to attend as many trials, court hearings, depositions, and mediations as possible during the summer program.
How are assignments distributed to summer associates?
Attorneys assign projects to summer associates directly. A committee of attorneys ensures that each summer associate is exposed to the areas of practice he or she is interested in as well as a variety of types of projects, so that each summer associate has the opportunity to work with as many firm members as possible during the summer program.
What resources are available to summer associates?
Summer associates have access to all firm resources including the law library, Westlaw, personal computer, and laptops.
What kind of feedback will I receive on my assignments?
The individual attorney assigning a project will provide feedback on the summer associate’s performance on a specific project. Each summer associate’s legal writing skills will be evaluated three times during the summer program with feedback designed to assist the summer associate in improving his/her writing skills.
How does evaluation and offer processes work?
Summer associates are evaluated on an informal basis, by the lawyers for whom they are completing projects, throughout the summer. Each summer associate will receive informal feedback and suggestions for improvement mid-summer. The firm’s attorneys complete written evaluation forms for each summer associate at the conclusion of the summer program with recommendations as to whether the candidate should be considered for an attorney position with the firm. A compilation of the written evaluations is shared with the summer associate at the conclusion of the summer program and decisions concerning the extension of offers are made.
What kind of training will I receive?
The summer program begins with an orientation to familiarize each summer associate with the firm, its resources and procedures, and the expectations for summer associates. Assigning attorneys will provide guidance on individual projects. Mini-seminars will be held throughout the summer program to educate the summer associates on a variety of topics. Summer associates also have the opportunity to attend formal educational programs, activities, and lunches for summer associates sponsored by the Indianapolis Bar Association.
What kinds of summer social events does the firm offer?
The summer program begins with a Meet & Greet the first week where new summer associates can mingle with the other firm members at a local restaurant/bar. The firm picnic is held mid-summer and summer associates are encouraged to bring their families and significant others. The summer program ends with a party at the home of our senior partner, Robert Wagner, to show the firm’s appreciation of the summer associates.
What is your firm's dress policy?
Lewis Wagner has adopted a business casual policy. Many lawyers routinely dress casual and jeans are permitted. While summer associates are not required to wear a suit, we strongly recommend having one on hand in the event you are invited to attend a court hearing, deposition, or mediation.
How will you decide whether to make me an offer at the end of the summer?
Summer associates who have demonstrated excellent work ethic, professionalism, and integrity and have produced quality work throughout the summer program will be considered for an associate position with Lewis Wagner. The Recruitment and Hiring Committee reviews the formal written evaluations and makes hiring recommendations for consideration at the end of the summer. The firm’s hiring decisions are communicated in late August.
Are first-year law students considered for the student program?
No. Lewis Wagner hires law students after their second year of law school following the completion of the legal research and writing requirements.
Does your law firm have a written anti-discrimination policy?
Yes. We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis prohibited by law, including race creed, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or disability. Lewis Wagner takes pride in its diverse firm culture.
Recruiting Calendar
|
Date
|
Location
|
Event
|
Recruiters
|
|
August 6, 7
|
Indianapolis Bar Association (Embassy Suites)
|
Diversity Job Fair
|
Stephanie Cassman
Kameelah Shaheed-Diallo
|
|
August 25
|
Indiana University (Bloomington)
|
Reception
|
Stephanie Cassman
Robert Foos
|
|
September 10
|
Indiana University (Indianapolis)
|
On-Campus Interviews
|
Robert Baker
Richard Blaiklock
|
NALP Form