Mentorship, Growth & Opportunity: Experiences from the 2025 Summer Associate Program

On this special Ropes & Gray podcast, co-hiring partner for the firm and co-managing partner of the firm’s Boston office, Jeff Katz, sits down with three members of the 2025 Summer Associate Program: Ben Haward (Harvard University), Esteban Ortiz (Boston University), and Michelle Yang (Northeastern University). Together, they provide an inside look at the summer associate experience at Ropes & Gray, sharing candid reflections on mentorship, professional growth, and the collaborative culture that defines the firm. The conversation also turns the tables, with the summer associates posing thoughtful questions to Jeff about the skills that have shaped his career, the evolving landscape of legal practice, and the enduring values that have remained constant at Ropes & Gray over his 25-year tenure. Jeff offers practical advice for future summer associates, stressing the importance of engagement, curiosity, and building relationships.