Thank You & Happy Trails to Our Summer Associates at Lane & Waterman, LLP.!
As Lane & Waterman’s Summer 2026 – Associate Program comes to a close. Our five associates reflect on their overall experience with the firm and how this program will guide their future paths in the legal profession. These ambitious individuals received hands on training with our clients, partners, and staff. While shadowing our partners on active client matters, and assisting, in, among other things, drafting briefs and transactional documents; participating in depositions, arbitration, and mediation sessions; attending client meetings; and observing courtroom procedures. Thus, adding a diverse legal experience to their resume and developing practice interests following their first and second years of law school.
Let’s reflect with James Feeney on his summer experience:
What has been the most helpful piece of advice or feedback you’ve received during the Summer Associate Program?
The most helpful piece of advice I’ve received this summer was to not be afraid to ask questions. Although it would be nice to know how to do everything after my first look at it. I quickly figured out that asking someone who has done something dozens of times before can get me up to speed much quicker than I could do so myself.
Was there an experience or interaction that turned out different from how law school may have perceived it to be?
Prior to the start of summer, I thought that working at a firm would include sacrificing of a work/life balance. However, I have come to realize that was not the case. Through my interactions with associates and partners I’ve seen, the firm makes it easy to enjoy life off the clock and to be involved in the community outside of the firm.
Do you have a favorite project/memory from working with a client or attorney?
I have thoroughly enjoyed any litigation projects this summer. I worked on a few different dispositive motions, and it was enjoyable to see parts of my research and arguments be incorporated into what is being submitted to the court. Projects like that have given me confidence in my ability to be an effective advocate once I can practice.
Let’s reflect with Daniela Rybarczyk on her summer experience:
What has been the most helpful piece of advice or feedback you’ve received during the Summer Associate Program?
Be direct and confident in your interactions and legal writing.
Was there an experience or interaction that turned out different from how law school may have perceived it to be?
I was surprised at how often the attorneys interact directly with opposing counsel and staff at other law firms. I knew interpersonal skills were important, but this summer I saw how necessary the skill is to achieve the best outcome for the client.
Do you have a favorite project/memory from working with a client or attorney?
Meeting clients, hearing about their lives, and brainstorming how to honor their wishes in their estate plan was memorable, along with learning in real time whether or not we could exclude certain TikTok videos in a motion in limine (requesting that certain evidence be found inadmissible).
Have your practice interests expanded, changed, or remained the same after this experience?
I enjoyed the work I did in estate planning and employment law matters, which reaffirmed my interest in these areas. Revising a purchase and sale agreement was something I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did. I am grateful for the variety of practice areas I experienced this summer.
Let’s reflect with Eddy Lopez on his summer experience:
Was there an experience or interaction that turned out different from how law school may have perceived it to be?
This summer broadened how I understand the practice of law. Drafting a motion to dismiss turned out to be a completely different exercise than reading about it in a civil procedure textbook. Seeing how attorneys actually build and file these documents gave me a much clearer picture of what the work looks like day-to-day.
Do you have a favorite project/memory from working with a client or attorney?
One of my favorite assignments involved researching disclosure obligations and reporting rules for publicly traded companies. It was a great introduction to securities work. It also confirmed that this is an area I would love to keep exploring.
Have your practice interests expanded, changed, or remained the same after this experience?
I started the summer expecting to focus on transactional assignments, and that interest held, but working alongside the partners here also drew me toward litigation. It is mentally demanding work, and something I really want to keep exploring in the future.
Let’s reflect with Sarah McKee on her summer experience:
Was there an experience or interaction that turned out different from how law school may have perceived it to be?
I’d say the biggest difference is the writing aspect in general. While I am definitely using the writing skills I have picked up in law school, the breadth of writing required is very different than what we have been prepared for. We learned only two types of things to write, but the writing required in the field is way more expansive. A lot of the principles are the same, but the formats and expectations can vary wildly.
Do you have a favorite project/memory from working with a client or attorney?
One of the other summer associates and myself got to work with a firm partner on a series of questions for a client. Doing a “group” project like that was really fun!
Have your practice interests expanded, changed, or remained the same after this experience?
My interests are basically the same since coming in, my interests were all over the place and only loosely defined. I’m still open to whatever comes my way. Accepting the varied projects this summer has made me open to all my options, since it really is the variety that has made things fun.
Let’s reflect with Kaylee Hendrix on her summer experience:
What has been the most helpful piece of advice or feedback you’ve received during the Summer Associate Program?
I was really thankful for one of the firm partner’s advice on being proactive in seeking feedback this summer. Everyone at the firm is very welcoming, but I had it in my head that I couldn’t approach the partners to follow up on projects I had worked on. I gained more confidence in my work when I pushed past that mentality and asked questions.
Was there an experience or interaction that turned out different from how law school may have perceived it to be?
In my experience in law school, you spend a lot of time learning black letter law, doctrines, and research practices. Until this summer, I hadn’t seen how important interactions between attorneys can be, especially opposing counsel. I have learned that law is happening in real time interactions and communication, not just in statutes and case law.
Do you have a favorite project/memory from working with a client or attorney?
Some of my favorite projects this summer have been working with one of the firms of counsel attorneys in estate planning. Early in the summer, she trusted me to develop an entire estate plan for a family. I didn’t think I would be capable of something like that, but I did it. I felt very proud as we met with the clients and I saw them sign the documents I had drafted for them. She was such an amazing guide along the way.
Have your practice interests expanded, changed, or remained the same after this experience?
They have expanded! This summer, I participated in motion practice, client meetings, trials, and transactional work, most of which were areas of law that I’d never worked in before. I found each case interesting in its own way, and now I can see myself working in all different types of law, although I have to admit, estate planning did become an area of practice that I am especially interested in. I’m going into my last year of law school with a special interest in estate planning for family farms and agriculture.
From everyone at Lane & Waterman, thank you to all our summer associates for your hard work. We wish you all the best in your upcoming school year!