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Is it normal to get your mentor a gift during an externship? Junior Associate (a few years out of school) has been the sole associate training me and giving me work during this externship. I know that the associate probably could've been doing other things in their time training me and looking over my work in anticipation of coming on full time this fall. I wanted to thank the associate for their time in training and mentoring me this semester.

Suggestions for gifts and what is considered exorbitant? Thank you!

A gift isn’t necessary - the general principle is that gifts should flow down, not up. A nice card with a note of thanks is perfectly fine. If you feel absolutely compelled and know anything about their tastes, wine/booze/coffee would be safe options. But I don’t think it’s necessary at all.

Yes. In your associate's position, I would be uncomfortable receiving more than a thank-you card, but I would really appreciate the card.