Law Students
Summer Associates
Our summer associate program provides law students with the opportunity to work side-by-side with some of Connecticut's best lawyers. Summer associates gain experience across a broad range of the firm's practice areas through both observation and participation in a variety of assignments. Our program provides solid career preparation that complements law school coursework. With its strong emphasis on professional development and training along with substantive hands-on learning experience, our program sharpens the skills you will need to succeed.
To apply for a summer associate position, click here.
Learn more about the summer associate program.
First-Year Associates
While the majority of our entry-level associates join the firm through our summer associate program, there are also times when offers for a first year associate position are made to 3Ls or clerks who did not summer with us.
To apply for a first year associate position, please click here.
Judicial Clerkships
Recognizing the practical skills and experience gained from a judicial clerkship, class credit for compensation (but not partnership) purposes is given to former judicial clerks who clerked at a federal, state appellate, or state supreme court. In addition, associates who complete a clerkship at a federal, state appellate, or state supreme court and then join the firm as a first year associate receive a $10,000 bonus, half of which is paid at the start of employment and half of which is paid after one year of service with the firm. Lateral associates who join the firm with previous clerkship experience or immediately following a clerkship are not eligible for the clerkship bonus.
Compensation and Benefits
We are committed to providing lawyers with a supportive, respectful, and collaborative working environment, while seeking to foster professional and personal growth and development. We offer continuous in-house training, and flexible working conditions, including the ability to work remotely. Our compensation package is competitive, and includes a choice of flexible benefit plans, comprised of medical, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, life insurance, benefit time off, as well as a 401(k) savings plan. We also have a wellness program, and offer attractive work-life benefits.
Interview Dates and Job Fairs
We establish relationships with most of our summer and first year associates through on-campus interviews. Each fall, our lawyers visit law school campuses and participate in job fairs to meet with students who are interested in summer and entry-level positions. We ask each candidate to bring a current resume and law school transcript to the interview. Our goal during the initial interview is to learn more about you, your law school experience and your practice interests, as well as your interest in our firm and its offices. If you are invited for a call-back interview, you will meet with several members of the firm, including recruiting staff, at least two members of the Hiring Committee, and other attorneys. Successful candidates are contacted directly with an offer to join the firm, followed by a formal letter that confirms the offer.
We conduct on-campus interviews at a number of law schools under normal circumstances, but during the time of virtual interviews and until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, please apply directly.
Mentoring and Training
At Shipman, we recognize that today’s associates are tomorrow’s partners. This is why we have created a comprehensive associate program to educate, develop and train our firm’s future leaders. Whether you are graduating from law school or are in the early phase of your practice, Shipman offers a varied, collaborative learning experience designed to enrich your life and your career.
- Training - We believe that learning is a never-ending process that benefits both our people and the firm as a whole. All of our associates receive ongoing training tailored to their level, practice area and professional development needs.
- Mentoring - All incoming associates are assigned a partner and an associate “sibling” to help familiarize them with the firm’s culture, policies and practices. Through these relationships, associates receive informal, continual feedback on their work at the firm. In addition, formal evaluations are conducted in the spring and fall for junior associates, and in the fall for senior associates. A two-way process, the evaluation sessions give associates feedback regarding their progress as well as the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas about the firm.
