When it comes to law firm summer associate programs, success hinges on more than just impressive networking events or compelling training sessions. At its core, a summer program revolves around one critical component: the work. The assignments that summer associates take on are their first glimpse into the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of full-time practice. Likewise, the firm evaluates how these associates perform, prioritize, and collaborate under real-world conditions. To manage this dual-purpose effectively, a robust and easy to use work allocation system is non-negotiable.
Many firms have historically relied on ad hoc solutions like spreadsheets or internal portals to manage work allocation. While these systems may get the job done, they often fall short when it comes to easy of use, customization, and efficiency. A good work allocation tool, like Flo Recruit’s Work Allocation system, can transform your summer program work flow from passable to exceptional.
Here are seven compelling reasons why every law firm needs a strong work allocation system.
1. Tailored to Your Firm's Needs
Every law firm’s summer program work assignment system is unique. Some prefer a free-market approach, where summer associates can select assignments, while others favor a more structured system, with work carefully assigned by recruiters or attorneys. The key to a successful work allocation system is flexibility.
With a customizable solution like Flo Recruit’s Work Allocation tool, firms can set parameters to align with their preferred workflow. Christine Sabbio, Senior Attorney Recruitment and Development Coordinator at Fried Frank, noted, "We needed a way to assign work, have attorneys submit work, and have a platform that gave us the ability to house things in a database." This flexibility ensures that both firms and summer associates get the most out of the program.
2. Streamlines Feedback and Reviews
One of the most critical aspects of any summer program is gathering and delivering feedback to their summer associates. Without it, summer associates miss out on valuable learning opportunities, and firms risk overlooking key performance indicators.
A good work allocation system ensures that once an assignment is closed, the assigning attorney is prompted to provide feedback. Attorneys are so busy that they often forget to provide feedback and are more focused on the assignment and the work, so having a system that ensures feedback to the summer is not missed is key! This built-in functionality, as seen in Flo Recruit’s system, guarantees reviews are timely, thorough, and easy to manage. Megan Lesser, Manager of Lateral Recruitment at Fried Frank, emphasized the importance of usability: "For our attorneys, it needed to be user-friendly to minimize the time and effort required to submit work requests." Plus, the feedback process can be customized to match your firm’s specific criteria, making performance evaluations more effective and aligned with your long-term goals.
3. Simplifies Mid-Summer Reviews
Mid-summer reviews are a pivotal moment in any summer program. They allow firms to address potential issues and provide constructive feedback while there’s still time for improvement. But creating detailed, comprehensive mid-summer reviews can be challenging without the right tools.
A strong work allocation system simplifies the process by compiling all assignments, reviews, and related documents into easy-to-read reports. These insights enable summer committees to make informed decisions and ensure every associate has the best possible chance of success.
4. Integration with Your ATS
One of the most significant benefits of using Flo Recruit Work Allocation is the ability to integrate with the Flo Recruit Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
This integration creates a seamless experience for all users—recruiters, attorneys, and summer associates. It’s especially advantageous for students who have already interacted with the ATS during the recruiting process and at their law school, as they can quickly adapt to using the work allocation tool during the summer.
5. Improves Transparency and Fairness
One of the biggest challenges of law firm summer programs is ensuring that work assignments are distributed fairly. Without a proper system, it’s easy for some summers to be overburdened while others struggle to get enough experience. This imbalance can lead to dissatisfaction and, ultimately, missed opportunities for both the firm and the summer associate.
A centralized work allocation system provides visibility into who is working on what, ensuring assignments are distributed equitably. This transparency fosters trust and ensures every summer associate has a chance to shine. It also gives the recruiting team and the summer committee a chance to easily see how many summer assignments each summer is working on at a time, and have discussions if anything is off of the firm’s expectations.
6. Enhances the Candidate Experience
Your summer program is more than a training ground—it’s a recruitment tool. Summer associates are evaluating your firm just as much as you’re evaluating them. A disorganized or confusing work allocation process can leave a negative impression.
With a user-friendly system like Flo Recruit’s, summers can focus on the substance of their assignments rather than navigating clunky interfaces. A streamlined, professional process reflects positively on your firm and can make the difference in securing top talent. It can also give a positive impression of how much and the type of work that will be available when they come on as associates. Having a Work Allocation System that is ready to go and loaded with assignments when summers start is key.
7. Boosts Operational Efficiency
Managing a summer program is a complex endeavor, and time is a valuable resource. Manual systems, like spreadsheets, require constant upkeep and are prone to human error. In contrast, an intuitive work allocation tool automates many administrative tasks, freeing up recruiters and attorneys to focus on higher-value activities.
Take, for example, Fried Frank’s journey with Flo Recruit’s Work Allocation tool. Their case study highlights how the system enhanced their recruitment efficiency, allowing them to allocate work more effectively while maintaining high standards. You can read more about their success here.
The Bottom Line
A successful summer program is built on the foundation of meaningful, well-managed work. A top notch work allocation system ensures that assignments are distributed fairly, feedback is timely and constructive, and the entire process runs smoothly. It’s a win-win for both the firm and the summer associates.
If your firm is still relying on outdated methods, it’s time for a change. A tool like Flo Recruit’s Work Allocation system can revolutionize the way you manage your summer program, providing the structure, flexibility, and insights you need to succeed.
Your summer associates deserve a program that sets them up for success, and your firm deserves a tool that simplifies the process. With the right system in place, you can ensure that your summer program not only meets but exceeds, expectations. Connect with the Flo Recruit team to learn more.
