For many law students, the summer after 2L year is a turning point. A summer associate position comes with real responsibility, real expectations, and often real decisions about what your future in the profession might look like. It’s exciting and, at times, intimidating. While there’s no single formula for summer associate success, the strongest summers tend to share a few things in common: thoughtful preparation, a willingness to learn quickly, and consistent attention to detail. Below are practical ways to set yourself up for a productive, confidence-building summer, both before you start and while you’re on the job.