By Brian Malcom 

6.  Ask questions. 

This tip requires a bit of balancing.  You should ask questions when you are confused or want advice on how to handle a situation.  You should not ask others to do the work for you, and you should not hinder others from doing their own work.  Do the work.  Be considerate.  However, do not be afraid to tap the wisdom of your more-experienced colleagues. 

7.  Smile and be social. 

Social events are part of the extended interview that is a Summer clerkship.  While you should certainly work hard, you should also make every effort to attend social events and to be social.  Absence from social events may be interpreted as a lack of interest in the firm or, worse yet, its people.  Social events are also a great opportunity to interact with attorneys you might not interact with on a daily basis.  Your goal during a clerkship should be to construct a coalition of support in the firm.  Get out there.  Make some friends.  Firms hire candidates they like, both on a personal and professional level.  

8.  Shake some hands. 

During the workday, do not be afraid to venture outside of your designated space.  Walk around the office.  Get to know the staff as well as the attorneys.  Make your face and name familiar, without making them infamous.  Do not be invisible. 

9.  Finish your assignments. 

I am not sure this needs much explanation.  Show the employer you can complete an assigned task.  Do not pass the buck on your way out the door on the last day of your clerkship.  Such an exit could tarnish all the progress you made and goodwill you accumulated throughout the clerkship.  Last impressions, like first impressions, are very important. 

10.  Speak up when appropriate. 

If you have a good idea, share it.  If you notice something, point it out.  This goes back to showing you can contribute.  Though you are young, you are still capable.  When appropriate, let your voice be heard.  One example of when a clerk should speak up is when they are overwhelmed with assignments.  If an attorney comes to you and asks for your help and you know you cannot produce a quality product on time, speak up.  While this will be hard to do, it is better than misleading the attorney or failing to complete the assignment on time.