Joining the V&E Team

Our reputation as a top-tier global law firm begins with developing talented lawyers who are leaders in their fields of law. Our shared passion to be the best at what we do brings us together at Vinson & Elkins.

As a V&E Summer Associate, you will have real opportunities to do substantive work in a variety of practice areas, have direct client contact, and work side-by-side with accomplished attorneys who care about your success. We offer a competitive salary of $4,327 per week. A variety of social and community activities will also give you the chance to get to know your colleagues in a relaxed environment, and you will find out that having fun is part of our culture.

We hope you will consider this unique opportunity to explore your career options at a firm that values inclusiveness and diverse perspectives – where lawyers and staff respect and support one another.

10 Tips for a Successful Summer Clerkship

1. Build Meaningful Relationships
   • Make an effort to get to know attorneys and business professionals in your office and across practice groups.
   • Be engaging and take a genuine interest in all conversations.
   • Think of your interactions across the firm as a way to demonstrate your people skills.
2. Learn About the Firm
   • This summer is as much about you getting to know the firm as it is about the firm getting to know you.
   • Throughout your summer clerkship, learn about the firm’s culture, values, priorities, and our people.
   • Make sure the firm is a place you see yourself working for years to come.
3. Accept a Variety of Assignments
   • A diverse workload is a great way to learn about your strengths and areas of opportunity.
   • View a variety of assignments as a chance to learn about what you like and don’t like.
4. Ask Questions & Take Notes
   • No one expects you to have all the answers, so be sure to ask questions.
   • Taking good notes will keep you organized and avoid having to ask the same questions multiple times.
   • Be sure to write down important project information, including names of other attorneys on case/project, deliverables, expected number of hours, and deadlines.
5. Practice Good Time Management
   • Be on time, if not early.
   • Budget your time wisely and communicate with the assigning attorney(s), especially if you are unable to meet a deadline.
6. Take Work Assignments Seriously
   • Summer Associate assignments are real work and an important part of your evaluation.
   • Proofread your work. There is no such thing as a “draft” when it comes to reviewing for errors, accuracy, and thoroughness.
   • Work comes before social events. If you have to miss an event to complete an assignment, that is okay, just be sure to communicate to the organizer.
7. Be Open to Feedback
   • Constructive feedback is a great tool for growth and development. Receive it as a gift!
   • You will receive feedback on assignments, but if you don’t, feel free to ask for it.
   • Be open to feedback from your colleagues and use it as an opportunity to learn and develop your skills.
8. Understand What Is Expected of You
   • The firm will evaluate your work product, professionalism, attitude, communication skills, teamwork, and social skills.
   • Have open conversations with your mentor(s) regarding how performance will be measured.
9. Dress Professionally
   • Follow the stated firm dress code for the office and for social engagements.
   • If you have questions about attire, ask the Recruitment professionals in your office.
10. Stay Connected
    • Stay in touch with people you meet during the summer after the summer program ends, including your fellow Summer Associates.
    • Your fellow Summer Associates will be your future colleagues and life-long friends.
    • Follow V&E’s social channels, sign up to receive firm communications, and visit the V&E website.

Top 10 Application Tips

1. Do Your Homework Upfront: Know why you are interested in a particular firm.

• Research firms and understand the kind of work a firm does and what it offers that interests you.
  (Utilize Vault and Chambers as credible resources.)
• Think about how you can add value.
• Know a firm’s office locations and why a particular geographic area is desirable.

2. Utilize Your Career Services Office: CSO staff have abundant experience and resources and want to help you succeed.

• Consider taking a self-assessment. Many CSOs offer free assessments to students to help identify strengths and potential career paths.
• Ask a member of Career Services to review your resume and provide suggestions.

3. Cover Letters are Important.

• Dates you will be in town/available to interview.
• Your city of preference. Be specific, and include your interest in the area.
• Any preferences for particular practice areas, if known.
• Why you are interested in this firm.

4. Resumes Should be Clean, Concise, and Interesting… And No More Than a Single Page.

• Sweat the small stuff, paying attention to every detail.
• If something is on your resume, it is fair game to be asked about (e.g., language skills, thesis, relevant experience, personal interests, etc.).

5. Provide Transcript as Soon as it’s Available. Include your GPA on Your Resume, if Known.

6. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! Error Free is Key.

• Be careful that all fields and names are correct.
• Review your cover letter and resume multiple times; and have someone else proof for you.
• Simple and consistent formatting also is important.

7. Timing is Key! Submit Your Application as Early as Possible.

8. Follow Application Directions on the Firm’s Website. If Instructions are to Submit Online, Don’t Email Materials.

• Only provide a writing sample or personal statement if asked; same rule for references and recommendation letters.
• Also, be timely and responsive with follow-up requests from firms.

9. Be Socially Aware. Know What is Available Online About You.

• Consider making your personal social media accounts only viewable to friends.
• Be sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional.
• Use an email address that is professional and identifies you by name. (Avoid overly casual addresses such as cooldude101@gmail.com.)

10. Prepare for Your Interview and be Sure to Follow up After!

• Dress professionally for the interview. If in doubt, wear something else.
• Know about the firm and be able to concisely express why you are interested. When possible, know something about your interviewers.
• Have a good response to why you decided to attend law school.
• Be confident, but careful not to come across as flippant or arrogant. Be genuine – be yourself!
• Avoid ghosting. Be responsive to emails and calls from firms, even if you are declining. Reach out if you
  have questions!

For first- and second-year law students

Vinson & Elkins awards a number of Fellowships to the brightest law students from top U.S. law schools. Each Fellow receives up to $50,000 along with a summer clerkship in one of our U.S. offices.

Learn more and apply to our 1L or 2L Fellowships.

Vinson & Elkins recruits top law students across the U.S. Our lawyers are active on campus throughout the year, including interviewing at on-campus interviewing programs and job fairs, engaging with affinity groups, hosting events, and mentoring students.