Goodbye, Summer

Today is my last day at work. It has really been a wonderful summer. All the attorneys and staff members at Manning Curtis Bradshaw & Bednar have treated me very well. Although we've had fun firm activities and lots of nice free lunches, what's meant the most to me is that I've gotten to really work. Within the first few minutes after I arrived my first day, I was already digging in to a case. I've had lots of opportunities to contribute substantively to a whole host of cases in a variety of areas of the law. Much of my work has been flipped around and given straight to the client, which I take as a compliment. I've done work for all sorts of clients - everyone from a friend of an associate to some very sophisticated blue-chip clients. I did work in a dozen areas of the law, sat in on a motion hearing (which we won!), and even drafted a motion that was filed in court (which I hope we win!). It's really been an incredible experience.

This week, the firm's managing partner and recruiting coordinator took me out to lunch. They asked me for some feedback about the firm and the firm's summer program. I had mostly glowing things to say, but gave a couple constructive criticisms, which they were delighted to hear. After that, they gave me some feedback on my performance, which was more kind than it probably should have been, and then they made me an offer to return to the firm! It was really exciting - getting an offer is about the best way to finish your summer at a law firm. After making the offer for me to return next summer, the firm said they'd understand if I went elsewhere next year, just to expose myself to more areas of the law, or to other types of firms. There's no telling where Rosa and I will be next summer or what type of firm we'll be at. But regardless, it's nice to know that Manning Curtis will give me a nice recommendation, and that I'm hopefully always welcome back here.

Sweet.