2020 Summer Boot Camp Testimonials

"Last summer, I started at Venable as a 1L Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Scholar. This summer, after successfully completing the summer boot camp, I received an offer to return as a full-time associate. After accepting, I was shocked to receive a phone call from one of the co-managing partners congratulating me and wishing me a successful final year of law school. His call served as just one example of the open communication that the firm offers at all levels. It is comforting to know that I am joining a firm with such strong values and caring people surrounding me."

Jordan D. Jean
The George Washington University Law School

"A valuable aspect of the summer boot camp was the mentorship, specifically the support I received from all levels of attorneys and staff. The level of support that was offered to me, even before the boot camp began, is something that speaks to Venable’s culture of collaboration. Numerous attorneys, and even partners, were willing to take time to provide me with valuable feedback on my research and writing projects. I felt welcomed by everyone I interacted with, and I am incredibly grateful to be joining the firm again next summer."

Abigail Rose
University of Michigan Law School

"The highlight of the summer boot camp was the people! Venable’s culture of camaraderie was readily extended to the summer associates right from the beginning. Every attorney that I engaged with was more than willing to provide details about their practice, answer my many questions, and point me in the direction of other people to connect with. I look forward to calling these lawyers my colleagues in the near future."

Yasmine Palmer
William & Mary Law School

“I can't imagine starting my career at any other firm because it's hard to envision a more supportive environment. Venable truly wants each and every one of its attorneys to succeed. Throughout the summer boot camp, I was provided with meaningful assignments, valuable feedback, and helpful mentorship that allowed me to learn and grow. I'm excited to return as a full-time associate and work with all of the incredible people that I was fortunate enough to meet this summer.”

Maya Harmon
University of California, Berkeley School of Law

"I accepted my offer because the Venable team continuously demonstrated their genuine interest and investment in my professional and personal growth. From the opportunities for professional development through formal and informal mentorship, constructive feedback and guidance on work projects, and daily conversations with firm personnel in social settings, Venable’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment was apparent, and my decision to return as a full-time associate was easy. I look forward to joining the Venable team and contributing to the culture that I have come to know and appreciate."

Cody Hall
Duke University School of Law

"In addition to trainings, I was given real work assignments, including research on how schools, summer camps, and youth sports can safely reopen under national, state, and local guidelines in the wake of COVID-19 and a memo summarizing how different states interpret language in business interruption policies to see if businesses that have lost the use of their space during COVID-19 might qualify for coverage. It was really exciting to work on projects with such immediate relevance, and one of my memos was even sent to the entire team without edits for immediate use in a client pitch! In addition, the attorneys were so committed to giving comprehensive feedback, including providing line-by-line edits of my memo and one-on-one meetings to discuss my work product. In just four short weeks, I feel like my research and writing skills grew immensely because of the support and investment that I received across all levels at Venable."

Page Garbee
University of Virginia School of Law

"Venable is a great firm because of its focus on client service and professional development. Throughout my summer experience, lawyers and staff at every level took the time to get to know me and provided me with meaningful mentorship, interesting work, and opportunities to explore a variety of practice groups. I look forward to returning as a full-time associate to help contribute to the inclusive and collaborative culture I experienced during the boot camp."

Jonathan Mireles
University of California, Davis School of Law