Voice of Maslon
At the start of the OCI process, I challenged myself to make a list of what was important to me in a law firm and landed on three main goals. I wanted to find a law firm that would challenge me with real work, invest in my development, and have a collegial environment. Maslon checked all the boxes during the OCI process, and I was delighted to accept a summer associate position with the firm. My experience at Maslon exceeded those expectations and helped me grow as a writer and critical thinker.
From my first assignment to my last, I did sophisticated and substantive work. My work was used by attorneys to advise clients, determine strategy, and was filed with the court. Even more importantly, I was not just a cog in a wheel doing one small segmented piece of research or writing. Instead, I was a part of the team. Even when I was done with a project, attorneys went out of their way to update me on the progress of a given matter and share how my work was a part of the bigger picture.
My summer at Maslon also offered a wonderful blend of experiential opportunities. I observed hearings, attended special trainings and bar events, and volunteered time with attorneys at the Minnesota State Law Library Appeals Clinic and the Wills For Heroes clinic. One highlight of the summer was visiting a client and touring his factory with an attorney. The attorney had asked me to prepare questions for our meeting and then entrusted me to lead the client interview. After the visit, I worked on a matter for that client.
As a summer associate, Maslon invested in me. I was matched with an associate, partner, and writing mentor on my first day. These mentors helped guide me through the summer, offering feedback on my work and sharing their insight on topics ranging from developing a practice area, building your own book of business, and how to succeed at Maslon as an associate and eventually a partner.
While it was nice to have a formal set of mentors, everyone at Maslon welcomed my questions. I genuinely felt each person wanted me to succeed. People would stop by my office to introduce themselves and check-in on how my summer was going. This echoed the larger culture at Maslon. Maslon is a community of collaborative attorneys who respect one another. Throughout the summer I saw how attorneys at Maslon support one another. For instance, an associate was recognized for an outstanding result on a pro bono case. Another time, attorneys gathered in a conference room to watch a press conference involving a large settlement pioneered by Maslon attorneys. Often it was more informal, such as a compliment while passing in the hall. Regardless, Maslon is a place where people actively celebrate each other’s success.
I also found Maslon supported the growth and development of its attorneys. I spent countless lunches and coffees with Maslon attorneys and got to know everyone through fun activities such as a riddle room, dinners, happy hours, and the all-attorney retreat. These informal activities helped me learn about practice areas and attorney's experiences. I was happy to find starting associates are given opportunities as well as the support, resources, and training to succeed. These conversations assured me Maslon would invest in me as I begin my career.
Anna Barton
University of Minnesota Law School, Class of 2019