We offer our summer associates many opportunities to participate in both formal and informal training programs throughout the summer. In a first-of-its-kind program in the legal industry, Reed Smith has formed a partnership with The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School to create Reed Smith University. Each of the five schools of RSU focuses on a critical area of excellence: Law, Leadership, Technology, Business Development, and Professional Support.
Summer courses will be offered to our summer associates through Reed Smith University’s Summer Academy within the School of Law. Some of the programs that we offer include:
Legal Writing Basics: The writing program kicks off our summer training as summer associates learn tips for producing effective written product, particularly in memoranda. The class will also include discussion of methods for organizing assignments and producing clear and concise work product.
Effective Timekeeping: This presentation provides an overview of the best practices for recording billable and non-billable time.
Mergers and Acquisitions Simulation: This seminar gives the pros and cons of various types of transactions, followed by an exercise in which participants are divided into buyer and seller groups and are guided through the negotiation process.
Mediation Clinic: In this clinic, summer associates will have the opportunity to mediate and attempt to settle a mock case before one of our celebrity (i.e., partner) mediators. Each team will be given a factual scenario for the mock case, their side's settlement position, and articles on mediation.