Law Students at O’Hagan Meyer
Early, hands-on legal experience paired with mentorship, training, and exposure to real clients and complex cases—designed to help law students launch successful legal careers.
A Meaningful Introduction to Legal Practice
Law students at O’Hagan Meyer gain early exposure to the practical realities of legal practice through substantive, hands-on work and contribute immediately to the firm’s representation of its clients. The firm’s Summer Associate Program and opportunities to work part-time during the fall and spring semesters are designed to integrate students into active matters from the outset, allowing them to contribute to real client work and develop essential litigation and advisory skills. Beyond just observing from the sidelines, law students are treated as valued members of the team and are encouraged to engage meaningfully in the firm’s work.
Hands-On Experience and Skill Development
From day one, law students have the opportunity to work alongside experienced litigators on complex matters, gaining exposure to a wide range of legal issues and industries. Students assist the firm’s lawyers with investigating and researching the factual and legal issues presented by a new case, drafting motions, preparing questions for depositions and examinations, and developing strategy, observing and participating in all key stages of litigation and dispute resolution. This work may continue to trial. Often, answering an initial research question for a supervising attorney begins an entire summer working on all parts of a case. This practical experience provides a strong foundation for developing legal analysis, writing, and advocacy skills, while offering insight into how legal strategies are developed and executed in real-world settings.
Mentorship and Professional Guidance
O’Hagan Meyer places a strong emphasis on mentorship and individualized development for law students. Summer associates are paired with two mentors, a partner and an associate, which creates opportunities for meaningful feedback and professional growth. Their associate mentor may counsel them, for example, about course selection, bar preparation, or networking as a new lawyer. Their partner mentor may show them how to practice as a professional, build a book of business, or make a life in litigation. Through one-on-one mentorship at both levels, training sessions, and firmwide development initiatives, students gain exposure not only to legal practice, but also to the business and professional skills necessary to succeed as attorneys.
In addition, OM College, the firm’s internal learning platform, provides live training sessions, all of which are recorded and added to a robust library of professional development resources. Summer associates benefit from a dedicated curriculum within OM College, including summer-specific courses designed to build foundational skills and reinforce the hands-on experience they gain throughout the program.
Exposure to Firm Culture and Collaboration
Law students are introduced to a collaborative and collegial environment where teamwork and communication are central to success. The firm’s culture encourages participation, values diverse perspectives, and supports learning through collaboration. Students build relationships with attorneys across offices and practice areas, gaining insight into the firm’s approach to client service and internal teamwork. Summer associates also have the opportunity to explore multiple practice areas rather than being limited to just one throughout the summer.
Throughout the program, summer associates have many opportunities to connect with attorneys and build meaningful relationships across the firm. Regular summer events, including weekly social gatherings and practice group–hosted events, provide exposure to a wide range of attorneys and offer a more personal look at life at O’Hagan Meyer. These experiences are designed to complement the day-to-day work and help summer associates feel fully integrated into the firm.
This experience helps demonstrate how a supportive and inclusive culture contributes to both professional satisfaction and client outcomes. The summer is designed to introduce summer associates to everything that makes O’Hagan Meyer unique.
Building a Foundation for Future Success
O’Hagan Meyer’s law student programs are designed to serve as a meaningful stepping stone into full-time legal careers. Through hands-on work, mentorship, and exposure to high-level legal matters, students leave the program with practical skills, professional connections, and a clearer understanding of their career paths. The firm’s focus on growth, training, and opportunity ensures that its summer associates are well-positioned to transition into associate attorneys who can contribute immediately and continue to develop over time.
Core Features of the Law Student Experience
- Meaningful, hands-on work on active client matters
- Direct collaboration with partners and experienced litigators
- Early exposure to litigation, strategy, and client interaction
- Structured mentorship and individualized feedback
- Participation in firm training and professional development programs, including OM College and a dedicated summer curriculum
- Opportunities to build professional relationships across offices and practices
- Insight into the business and practical aspects of legal practice
- A collaborative, team-oriented environment that supports growth
