Jazmine Polk
Summer Associate, 2020 and 2021
Associate Attorney, joined firm 2022
"The Ahlers & Cooney Summer Associate Program provides law students with a stimulating and well-rounded glimpse of the firm. I knew within the first few weeks of the program that I wanted to be an attorney at Ahlers & Cooney, specifically in the education practice area because that area is so fascinating and relatable. Summer associates are introduced to the many areas of law that Ahlers has to offer and are given the opportunity to work closely with attorneys on interesting and challenging projects. The program also includes social events that allow you to get to know the attorneys and staff, including weekly lunches, happy hours, and a firm-wide outing to a Cubs baseball game. I was privileged to be part of the Summer Associate Program for two summers and those summers prepared me for the position that I have today as an attorney in the education practice area at Ahlers & Cooney."
Keyan McAreavy
Summer Associate, 2021
Associate Attorney, joined firm 2022
"The Summer Associate program at Ahlers & Cooney is a wonderful introduction to the practice of law and life at the firm. The program allowed me to work with many experienced attorneys across various practice areas, which helped give me a well-rounded picture of the firm and a glimpse of what life as an Ahlers attorney is like. The prospect of being able to work on interesting matters with supportive and professional people convinced me that I wanted to join the Ahlers & Cooney team. Although the summer went by much too fast, the experience stayed with me throughout the remainder of law school, until I ended up right where I wanted to be – as an attorney at Ahlers & Cooney."
Summer Associate Program
Ahlers & Cooney places a great deal of importance on our Summer Associate program, which provides a key lifeline for hiring of new Associates. We believe our Summer Associate program should provide the opportunity for law students to get a real sense of working in a legal practice while assisting on actual casework with our attorneys. We ensure that our Summer Associates get a broad experience across our different practice areas so they gain an understanding of what they might excel at and most enjoy. If they already have a desire to focus in a particular area of the law, they will be able to work more extensively with a particular practice group, while still getting broad exposure.
Even though each Summer Associate works with a variety of attorneys, they are assigned to one attorney who serves as their mentor for the summer. One attorney also serves as Projects Coordinator for the summer to ensure all Summer Associates are getting the well-rounded experience that they deserve. When we hire and evaluate our Summer Associates, we are constantly determining if we see a mutual connection which would lead to a long-term future at Ahlers & Cooney.
To extend our Firm’s culture for a work/life balance, we also facilitate a variety of social activities throughout the summer for Summer Associates and Attorneys. Activities have included: progressive dinners, I-Cubs outings, spa days, golf outings, after hours get-togethers, and more. In order for our Summer Associates to meet attorneys that they may not work with directly, we have weekly lunches off-site with all Summer Associates and 3-4 attorneys. These opportunities for personal rapport are a great way for relationship building within the Firm.
Contact
For more information about the Summer Associate program, contact:
Conner Wasson
515-246-0341
cwasson@ahlerslaw.com