DRM hires a small number of accomplished first- and second-year law students for our summer clerkship program. The program allows us to get to know our summer clerks as individuals and to provide them with engaging work.
“I had a terrific summer at DRM after my first year in law school. I sensed that the firm had vigor and drive. The work was varied and interesting, and I really enjoyed the people. I was fortunate to have the opportunity of a second summer clerkship experience before committing to join a firm. So I explored working at a larger firm in a bigger city the following summer, but what prompted me to return to Vermont was DRM's entrepreneurial approach to practice--as well as the beauty, recreational opportunities and sense of community that we enjoy in this state.” – Paul Ode – DRM Director, Deputy Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer (Summer Clerk – 1979)
We take pride in giving our summer clerks a wide variety of interesting and challenging "hands-on" assignments that reflect the real work of the firm. Assignments may include:
"As a summer associate at DRM, I was truly given opportunities for hands-on experiences. It's not just lip service. My research and writing formed the backbone of a motion to remand in federal court, which we won. It was glorious." – Charity Clark, DRM Associate (Summer Clerk – 2003)
Summer clerks are not assigned to any particular practice group. Instead, we offer an opportunity to work in several different practice areas. We also try to provide experience in an individual’s areas of interest.
A project assignment coordinator serves as the point of contact for distributing project assignments during the summer and can help identify contacts who may be able to provide work on matters of particular interest. Each summer clerk is also matched with an associate who is available for "off-the-record" insights and advice, social contacts, research help and general support.
We sponsor a variety of social functions that give summer clerks opportunities to get to know DRM lawyers outside of the work setting and to experience the beauty and activities that make Vermont a great place to live and work.
In the past, groups of attorneys and summer clerks have hiked Camel’s Hump, enjoyed an outdoor barbecue and put together other spontaneous, informal gatherings. In addition, each DRM office has office-wide summer outings – past events have included a dinner cruise on Lake Champlain, a dinner on Lake Memphremagog in the Northeast Kingdom or outdoor fun at the Adams Family Farm near Brattleboro.
Summer is a great time to spend in Vermont! Ranging from hiking, biking, kayaking and other water-based sports to open-air music and art festivals and outdoor cafes, there is always a great selection of activities and events to take advantage of during off-hours.
“As a summer associate at DRM, I worked on substantive projects in the practice areas that were of interest to me. I never ran out of intriguing assignments. This stimulating work environment was well balanced with opportunities to socialize with other summer associates and DRM attorneys. With an added twist of outings in the mountains and on Lake Champlain, I felt that I had the pareto optimal summer associate experience. Thanks DRM.”
-- Charlotte Ancel, DRM Associate (Summer Clerk – 2006)
DRM follows NALP (http://www.nalp.org/) Timing Guidelines. To apply for a summer clerk position at DRM, please send your resume and cover letter to:
Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC
Hiring Coordinator
199 Main Street
P.O. Box 190
Burlington, VT 05401-0190
Or, send your resume and cover letter via e-mail to jchapman@drm.com.
