Finding networking and recruitment opportunities from law firms can be daunting for 1Ls and 2Ls. Between juggling classes, extracurriculars, and other outside factors presented by life, the challenge of making these crucial connections can be overwhelming. However, putting yourself out there and making yourself known to prestigious firms is something all law students desire, and if this critical stepping stone is missed it can lead to dire consequences for your career.
A "special sidebar” event, designed to provide that steppingstone, was held on October 12, 2023, providing an opportunity for students to connect with one of Cleveland's top law firms Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan, & Aronoff LLP (which sponsored the event). The event allowed students the opportunity to speak with the hiring partner, the senior managing partner of law recruiting, and associate attorneys including those who are alumni to the College of Law. The firm offered the opportunity to gain more than just knowledge but the chance to become a part of their network on Florecruit.
Benesch was formed by three Cleveland attorneys who prided themselves on being civic leaders prominent within the community, Alfred A. Benesch, Jerome M. Friedlander and Robert Morris in 1938. Alfred Benesch worked throughout various roles within the civic area, while practicing as a lawyer, his most beloved role serving as the President of the Board of Education. Those same civic principles dear to the founders are seen through the core values of the law firm, one of them including meaningful contributions to the communities in which they live and work. The firm’s commitment to enhance recruitment of 1Ls and 2Ls can be seen through the summer programs offered. Not only do they offer a Summer Associate Program in various locations throughout the nation, including right here in Cleveland, OH, but they also offer a 1L Diversity Fellowship Program. Their diversity fellowship program is meant to encourage in recruitment addition to retention, development, and advancement of diverse attorneys within the firm. This excellent opportunity provides students with the chance to understand how law firms work, client interaction, courtroom activities, and teamwork with Benesch Attorneys. They offer summer associates immediate contact with clients and involvement in strategy, negotiation and drafting sessions. Those who are a part of the 1L Diversity Fellowship Program will receive a variety of substantive work and projects. Those who are selected for this opportunity will be able to participate in events designed exclusively for the summer program in addition to those specially planned by the firm, including regular operations such as department meetings.
I am one of many students who finds networking to be intimidating. Especially so as a 1L who, before law school, was known for being shy and quiet when it came to meeting new people. However, I know that networking can determine whether you lose out on opportunities you’ve worked and studied so hard for. So, it was nice to have the ability to spend time speaking and being introduced to alumni who are now working as associate attorneys and get their take on issues like work-life balance.
I met and spoke with Robert Ross, Hiring Partner at Benesch, and had the opportunity to ask him about the do’s and don’ts for prospective applicants of their summer programs. I also spent some time speaking with Brittany Vozar, the Senior Manager of Law School Recruiting, during sidebar about the firm’s 1L Diversity Fellowship Program and learned what to expect from the experience. We spoke more after the event about Benesch’s goals and the possibility of future events for 1L’s and 2L’s to get a chance like this again. She spoke of the strong recruiting partner Cleveland State has proven itself to be, and why Benesch took the opportunity to sponsor sidebar with the aim start connecting with students and giving them the ability to learn about what kind of career paths they offer. They do plan on hosting events in the future for 1L’s sometime in January, and another event in the summer regarding their 2L programs and OCI’s. These future events are to be hosted at their new office located at Key Tower, which will provide a “great way to see the environment and culture firsthand with a firm visit.” She was happy to be in attendance at sidebar’s October 12th event and excited to meet new students.
Her wise words that the “practice of law is about networking and building relationships” echo a theme I’ve seen repeatedly as I begin my journey. It is one that Benesch has shown they are aware of too, and that they want to help make it easier on students. Additionally, she wants students to know how the summer programs offered are exploratory and allow students to engage in the seven core practice areas to narrow down their interests. Benesch has a strong commitment to bridging this gap with students.
This post is in addition to the piece first printed in November 2023, Volume 72, Issue 2
Applications for the summer associate program open in June of every year. For more information about Benesch please reach out to the contact below:
Brittany Vozar, Senior Manager, Law School Recruiting
Phone: 216-363-4500
email: BVozar@beneschlaw.com
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