FAQ

What characteristics does Holland & Knight look for in a law student?

Holland & Knight looks for similar traits in candidates whether we are hiring experienced lawyers, law students or judicial clerks. Holland & Knight seeks students of substance from diverse backgrounds with superior academics, leadership skills, involvement in extracurricular activities and demonstrated commitment to their communities. We look for candidates who have the desire and ethical foundation to be significant lawyers in the firm, in the profession and in the community. We have been very successful in hiring students who meet these criteria and, as a result, our firm as a whole reflects these characteristics.

How many lawyers work at Holland & Knight?

Holland & Knight has more than 1,100 lawyers. This ranks us among the largest law firms in the U.S. The firm has offices in 23 cities in the United States and internationally.

What do you mean by a "one-firm" concept?

Holland & Knight is a global firm. No single office is considered the “headquarter office.” The firm’s technology links practice groups and lawyers, enabling us to serve clients regardless of location.

What is the firm's commitment to diversity?

Diversity is a Holland & Knight core value. The firm has distinguished itself among U.S. law firms as a leader in diversity and our commitment to diversity is reflected in our recruiting efforts. Holland & Knight attends and sponsors many job fairs and events that support diverse lawyers. Our goal is to create a positive and supportive environment for the professional and personal development of all our lawyers, and to foster Holland & Knight’s recruitment and retention of diverse lawyers in all areas of practice. Holland & Knight was ranked #2 by the Minority Law Journal (2007) for the number of minority partners and Hispanic lawyers.

Are summer associates assigned to departments?

No, summer associates receive assignments from different practice areas to give them exposure to various practice groups. We also encourage summer associates to request assignments in particular practice areas of interest.

What types of assignments do summer associates receive?

Summer associates receive substantive legal work from our many different practice areas in the firm. Assignments may include drafting pleadings, discovery requests and responses; appearing in court at hearings and trials with Holland & Knight lawyers; attending boards of directors and client meetings; reviewing documents at a client’s facility and researching a wide range of legal issues.

Will I have the opportunity to work on pro bono matters as a summer associate?

Yes, pro bono assignments can come from attorneys either in your local office or through the Community Services Team. Pro bono opportunities provide excellent training and experience.

What kind of training can I expect as a summer associate?

Holland & Knight understands the importance of training in the development and advancement of your career. As a summer associate, you will receive formal and informal training. Our formal training programs will help you develop the skills needed to become a successful attorney. You will also have the opportunity throughout the summer to receive informal on-the-job training working alongside our experienced lawyers. Our 2007 summer associates met in Orlando, Florida, at the beginning of the summer to participate in a two-day live training event to learn more about the firm and the practice of law and to meet their colleagues from other offices.

Are mentors assigned to summer associates?

Yes, summer associates are paired with a partner mentor and an associate advisor. Holland & Knight has a very successful, formal mentoring program that allows us to take a personal interest in the careers of our lawyers and our summer associates.

How are summer associates reviewed?

After each assignment, summer associates are evaluated by the assigning lawyer through a written evaluation and an informal meeting to discuss the assignment. Summer associates also receive formal mid-summer and end-of-summer evaluations.

How long is the summer program?

Holland & Knight’s summer program is 10 to 11 weeks. We believe that this period provides us with ample time to evaluate you as a future lawyer and allows you to evaluate how you fit in at Holland & Knight.

How big is the summer program?

Holland & Knight intentionally keeps its summer program small, relative to the size of the firm. This gives our summer associates the opportunity to experience a diverse range of assignments, to work with and meet as many lawyers as possible and to become integrated into the firm. The size of the summer program varies by office.

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How many offers are made for entry-level positions?

We hire summer associates with the intention of making each of them an offer to join us after graduating from law school, assuming a strong performance during the summer program. We see our summer associates as the future of the firm and treat them as such by giving them the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a lawyer at Holland & Knight.