This summer, Walkup Melodia Kelly & Schoenberger proudly hosted five outstanding law students from top law schools in its immersive Summer Associates Program, designed to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world litigation practice.
The program offers promising students hands-on experience working alongside seasoned trial attorneys on active cases that have a genuine impact on clients. Participants benefit from one-on-one mentorship, skill-building workshops led by firm partners, and a collaborative, supportive environment that fosters both professional and personal growth.
The 2025 Summer Associates described their experience as dynamic, meaningful, and eye-opening:
- Sam Styles (UC College of the Law, SF) called it “a non-stop thrill ride.”
- Emily Harrington (Stanford Law) highlighted exposure to “all the different phases of litigation” from research to active trial work.
- Eli Mizock (UC College of the Law, SF) emphasized the personal connection, noting the “real plaintiffs behind the cases,” which added “weight” and fulfillment to the work.
- Erica Smedley (Vanderbilt Law) reflected on the “real-world impact” and meaningful client interactions.
- Katie Hazen (Boston College) praised the depth of practical skills gained, saying she learned “more here than in the first two years of law school.”
Walkup’s Summer Associates Program remains a cornerstone of the firm’s commitment to developing the next generation of trial attorneys through substantive, hands-on legal training, mentorship, and community engagement.
