Summer Clerkship Program
Steptoe & Johnson’s summer clerkship program is designed for both first and second-year law students, and historically has been one of the largest in West Virginia, with 15 to 20 clerks hired each summer. Experience has shown the firm that the summer program works best for both the firm and the students when clerks are not restricted to a particular area of practice. The firm therefore designs the program to expose clerks to a rotation of different practice areas throughout the summer. Summer clerks also can expect to participate in various types of legal projects, such as assisting attorneys with trial preparation and witness interviews, drafting motions and pleadings, preparing written discovery, and crafting technical legal documents.
Naturally, legal research and writing will be a substantial portion of the clerkship experience, but just as the firm’s lawyers do not spend all of their time in the library, neither do the summer clerks. One of the philosophies behind the summer program is that clerks should come away with a better understanding of what the practice of law really entails on a day-to-day basis. The firm makes a conscientious effort to expand the clerkship experience to include attendance at depositions, trial, client conferences, motion hearings, mediation sessions, real estate or commercial transaction closings, and other events of practical interest.
Although Steptoe & Johnson expects summer clerks to be self-motivated and exercise independent judgment as much as possible in completing assignments, firm lawyers encourage clerks to consult freely with their supervising attorneys. Program leaders assign each clerk two attorney mentors – one general mentor, and one mentor dedicated to helping the clerk improve legal research and writing skills. Over the course of the summer, the firm’s informal but professional working and social environment provides law clerks with the opportunity they need to get to know Steptoe & Johnson, and to become acquainted with the surrounding community.
Compensation during the summer is $1,000 per week for summer clerks. To maximize the benefits of the summer program, the firm asks that law clerks spend at least 10 consecutive weeks at Steptoe & Johnson, and arrange for any extended breaks or vacation to take place before or after the program.
