Voice of Maslon

As I prepared for the OCI process, it was imperative for me to find a firm that I thought would be a good long-term fit. I knew that I did not want to practice at a firm where young associates stayed only for a few years before leaving to find more long-term employment. Rather, it was important for me to find a firm that would invest in my long-term growth from day one. I worked for a number of years before returning to law school and knew the importance of finding a workplace that was not only professionally challenging, but also a place that was a good cultural fit. After completing the summer associate program, it is clear that I have found that place. The summer associate program at Maslon excels in so many respects. Most important to me was the quality of the work assignments I received and the mentorship provided.

From my first week at Maslon, it became clear that the work I would complete throughout the summer would be substantive and important. The program coordinators work hard to ensure that each of the summer associates receives broad exposure to the firm's practice groups through a variety of interesting assignments. Each assignment I completed provided a substantial opportunity to develop my legal writing skills and addressed an area of law or issue that was new and challenging. To see the work I completed incorporated into memorandum to clients or court filings was rewarding to say the least. Moreover, the feedback I received from the firm's partners and associates made it clear that my work was appreciated.

As a summer associate, I was assigned three mentors. My associate and partner mentors ensured I was progressing throughout the summer and were always available to talk or answer questions. Where the summer program at Maslon truly excels, in my opinion, is through the writing mentor program. Throughout the summer, my writing mentor thoroughly reviewed each assignment I completed and provided substantive feedback. This process provided a significant opportunity to hone my legal writing skills with each assignment I completed. By comparing my first assignment to my last, it is clear that in just ten weeks my practical skills have grown substantially.

From my first day, I felt welcomed at Maslon. After completing the summer program, it is apparent that the firm is invested in my long-term growth. I am happy to have found a place where I can build my legal career. When I look back to the OCI process, I am thrilled that I made the decision to spend my summer at Maslon.

Michael Sheran
William Mitchell College of Law, Class of 2016