1. Treat the other summer clerks as your colleagues, not your competition

Employers frown upon this type of competition. While you do need to put in the hours and produce high quality work product, do not overlook the importance of personality. Being too competitive is a turn-off and can hurt your chances of landing an offer for permanent post-graduation employment.

2. Treat the support staff like partners

Remember that administrative assistants and other office staff often wield much influence in the office and can also be great allies during your summer clerkship. You should treat support staff with respect, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because they can be a lifeline at a firm. You can learn valuable information from support staff that will not only assist you in your substantive work but can help you fit in and learn more about the organization's culture.

3. Treat associates like partners

Whether you are working for a first-year associate or a name partner, treat each lawyer the same way. Above all, do not "better-deal" a lawyer on assignments. Trying to determine whether one lawyer's project is more important than another project will likely offend someone. If you have trouble managing your docket, speak with a mentor or the recruiting coordinator to help sort out the conflict. Remember, everyone you work for can have a direct impact on whether you receive an offer.

4. Maintain a professional online reputation

Be aware that more and more employers are using the internet to learn more about their applicants. Your webpage on social networking sites can be accessed by recruiters, partners and clients of the firm, and can have a direct effect on how you are perceived.

5. Be professional during social functions

Social events give employers the opportunity to get to know you better and to assess your people skills. Show you can enjoy yourself and time spent with colleagues, but do not go overboard, especially where alcohol is involved. Never let your image or reputation be compromised.

6. Get to know as many people as possible

Remember that you are evaluating the employer just as you are being evaluated. Another reason to make an effort to get to know as many people as possible is to minimize the effect of any one sub-par experience with one attorney.