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Careers - Summer Associates

The Erb Law Firm, PC has a summer associate program designed to give law students the opportunity to get real world experience in the practice of law while getting to know our firm.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about our hiring process. Please read them carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will The Erb Law Firm PC’s summer program give me any real experience?

• What kind of projects are assigned to summer associates?

• Do you allow split summers?

• Can my employment continue through fall?

• Do you hire first-year law students?

• Do you hire foreign LL.M. students?

• What specific criteria are you looking for?

• When and how should I apply?

• What resources are available to summer associates?

• Eke, I don’t have a car - and you’re not in Center City. How can I get to your office?

• Are there scheduled events?

• Does the firm offer or support pro bono work?

• Will I have the opportunity to travel outside of Philadelphia?

• How can I make sure you do not pick me as a summer associate?

topQ: Will The Erb Law Firm’s summer program give me any real experience?

A: Definitely. Because we are a small firm, we are able to offer law students “hands on” experience. This includes exposure to clients and other “real world” practical legal experience.

topQ: What kinds of projects are assigned to summer associates?

A: In the beginning, we try to give you a little glimpse of everything that we do at the firm. As the summer progresses, we hope to gain a better idea of the projects and areas of law that you enjoy and make assignments accordingly.

topQ: Do you allow split summers?

A: Sure, so long as it fits our schedule. We try to be as flexible as possible and ask that our summer associates do the same.

topQ: Can my employment continue through fall?

A: We hope to be able to offer our eligible summer associates part time positions through the fall, schedules permitting.

topQ: Do you hire first-year law students?

A: Yes.

topQ: Do you hire foreign LL.M. students?

A: Yes, our international focus gives us a unique opportunity to work with - and learn from - qualified foreign LL.M. students.

topQ: What specific criteria are you looking for?

A: First and foremost, we are looking for a well rounded student who is eager to work in the fields of tax, corporate and international law. That said, we also look for solid academic performance, “real world” work experience, and demonstrated interest in the fields of tax, corporate and international law. Foreign travel or work experience is preferred. Knowledge of foreign languages, especially German, French or Italian, is a big plus.

topQ: When and how should I apply?

A: We start our interview process in early spring, so we ask that you begin submitting resumes after February 1. Please note that submissions prior to February 1 will be ignored.

Send a cover letter and resume to:
     Summer Associate Program
     The Erb Law Firm, PC
     5901 Ridge Avenue
     Suite 100
     Philadelphia, PA 19128

You may also submit your information via fax (215.508.4428) or the web (hr@erblaw.com). If you submit your resume via email, please ensure that it is in text, Word, AppleWorks or .pdf format. Please do not submit transcripts, writing samples, letters from your mother or any other documents!

topQ: What resources are available to summer associates?

A: We’re different in that we’re an “all Mac” office. Thus, we provide access to a Mac computer, word processing and spreadsheet software, email and Internet. In addition to our own office library, we are members of Jenkins Law Library; you’ll receive a card with borrowing and research privileges.

topQ: Eke, I don’t have a car and you’re not in Center City - how do I get to your office? A: We encourage you NOT to drive, actually. We chose to stay in Philadelphia, among other reasons, because it’s so easy to get around without a car. We are incredibly accessible by public transportation and by bicycle! You could probably canoe if you really wanted, although we've never tried. Check out the directions page for details.

topQ: Are there scheduled events?

A: We don’t have any mandatory scheduled events for the summer. We try to schedule a few happy hours and social events like baseball games.

We strongly support interest in organizations outside of the firm. We are members of the German American Chamber of Commerce, the Union League of Philadelphia, International Visitors Council, Philadelphia Bar Association, Philadelphia Estate Planning Council and many other organizations. We regularly attend sponsored events, as well as community events, and hope that they interest you enough to do the same.

topQ: Does the offer and support pro bono work?

A: Yes! We offer a number of pro bono opportunities at the firm. If you don’t see something you like, or if you have an idea for a program, just ask us!

topQ: Will I have the opportunity to travel outside of Philadelphia?

A: Without making any promises, we certainly hope so. Opportunities are always available to attend seminars in cities outside of Philadelphia, including New York City and Washington, DC. In addition, our plans for the future include extending our regular trips to Europe to our summer associates... stay tuned, but don't get your hopes up!

topQ: How can I make sure you do not pick me as a summer associate?

A: The best way is to call, instead of sending your resume via e-mail or mail. That's a sure way to annoy us. Another way is to say you've always been interested in litigation, or that criminal law is your favorite thing in the world. Please look at the website (it's free!) and make sure you know what we do before you send anything. That goes for most law firms.