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What You’ll Do as a Summer Associate


Our Summer Associates do substantive work, not busywork. From your first week, you’ll contribute to matters that are important to our clients and to the firm, with the guidance and support you need to grow.

Real, Client-Focused Work

  • Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, client letters and internal memoranda.
  • Conduct legal research and analyze statutes, regulations and case law.
  • Assist with transactional work, including contracts, due diligence and closings.
  • Join attorneys for client meetings, depositions, hearings, negotiations and other proceedings when appropriate.
  • Collaborate with attorneys across practice areas to experience different types of work.

Exposure Across Warner

  • Work with multiple practice groups to help you identify where you thrive.
  • Experience the culture of our offices across Michigan.
  • Participate in practice group meetings, firmwide events and summer social activities.
  • Contribute to pro bono and community initiatives, where available.

While many law firms claim their culture, values and approach set them apart, Warner has the proof to show ours are genuinely different—and consistently effective.

Take on sophisticated, high-impact legal work for market-leading clients while building your career and your life in Michigan, a destination celebrated for its vibrant communities and outstanding quality of life.

By design, Warner’s lockstep compensation model encourages collaboration and clearly sets us apart. Click to learn more.

Curious about our Summer Associate Program? Explore our FAQs for clear answers to the questions we hear most.

Mentorship, Training & Culture

We view your summer at Warner as the beginning of a long-term relationship. You’ll receive guidance, feedback and support at every step so you can build confidence and skill as a future lawyer.

Built-In Mentorship

  • Dedicated mentor(s) to help you navigate the program and the firm.
  • Day-to-day supervision and coaching from associates and partners.
  • Informal opportunities to connect — coffee chats, lunches and practice group events.

Training & Development

  • Orientation to firm systems, expectations and resources.
  • Substantive trainings on key practice areas and lawyering skills.
  • Workshops and conversations on professional development, feedback and career planning.

Summer Cohort Experience

  • Structured summer events that connect you with attorneys and fellow summers.
  • Opportunities to learn more about Warner’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Social and community-focused activities that highlight our culture beyond billable work.

Job Jar

Want to explore more than one practice area? Our Job Jar gives Summer Associates access to a rotating selection of real client matters from across Warner’s offices—giving you the chance to try multiple disciplines and find the best fit before committing.