Jones Foster is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2021 Summer Associate Program. This competitive program was designed to give highly accomplished law students an authentic law firm experience through mentorship and exposure to all substantive areas of law, paving the way for future career development.
This year’s program will be an in-person, immersive experience at the West Palm Beach office where the summer associates will receive invaluable experience working on actual assignments and engaging daily with shareholders, associates, and clients.
We welcome Rachel L. Sears and Lainey R. Williams, who will work with various departments throughout the Firm, receiving guidance from locally and nationally recognized attorneys in a wide range of practice areas including Real Estate, Litigation, Private Wealth Trust & Estates, Corporate & Tax, and Land Use & Governmental. Each Summer Associate is paired with a mentor throughout the program to receive the support and direction needed to maximize the experience and gain real-world knowledge of various areas of law, client expectations, and job responsibilities of a practicing attorney, including strategic business development skills that will serve in advancing future career goals.
Law School
Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law
Honors
Nova Law Review, Junior Associate; Dean's List
Activities
Florida Association for Women Lawyers; Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity; Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Society
Professional Experience
Shepard Broad College of Law, Research Assistant; 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Judicial Intern for the Honorable David A. Haimes and Honorable Keathan B. Frink
Why did you choose Jones Foster?
As a West Palm Beach native, I was in search of a law firm that not only had an impeccable reputation in the community but a law firm that was also innovative and forward-thinking. I initially gravitated towards Jones Foster because it is one of the oldest, most well-respected law firms in Palm Beach County, yet it is constantly evolving and adapting as the surrounding community grows and the corresponding laws develop and transform. In addition, Jones Foster offered me the opportunity to work with highly experienced attorneys through which I can learn and develop my skills and allowed me to surround myself with dependable, approachable, and family-like mentors.
What areas of law are you currently interested in pursuing and why?
I am currently interested in Corporate and Tax Law. After completing a few focused classes in law school in these fields of law, I became fascinated by the complexity and sophistication of these sectors and I am eager to expand my knowledge and gain hands-on experience this summer as I work in the Jones Foster Corporate and Tax practice group.
What are you most excited to experience as a Summer Associate at Jones Foster? What do you hope to accomplish?
I am most excited to put all of the practice and training that I’ve acquired in the past two years of law school to real-world use in not only the areas of law that I currently am interested in but also in areas of law that I have not gained much exposure to thus far. In addition, I am looking forward to working alongside highly skilled and experienced attorneys who specialize in these sectors of the law.
During my time as a Summer Associate, I hope to refine and sharpen my writing, research, and negotiating skills and begin building invaluable client relations in the community.
How has the past year of social distancing affected your law school journey? Has it altered your perspective on the Summer Associate experience?
Personally, having to attend law school remotely over the past year has been an eye-opening experience. I believe the most challenging aspect of the experience overall was the lack of a shared community amongst my peers, which I believe is extremely important in such a demanding and high-stakes profession. Therefore, I am very much looking forward to being in person as a Summer Associate at the West Palm Beach location as I know how invaluable it is to work closely with your peers and learn from your mentors.
Law School
University of Florida Levin College of Law
Honors
Book Award for Florida Rules of Judicial Administration; Florida Law Review, Managing Editor; Florida Blue Key; Florida Keystone Cohort 1; President's Scholarship Recipient; Dean's List
Activities
UF Environmental and Land Use Law Society
Professional Experience
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Judicial Intern for The Honorable Bruce E. Reinhart
Leadership
Law College Council, Vice President; John Marshall Bar Association, General Board Member
Why did you choose Jones Foster?
In looking for a summer associate program, my hope was to find a firm that I felt would encourage me to grow into a knowledgeable professional. Additionally, I wanted to work in an environment that made me aspire to stay with a firm long-term. I found both of these qualities during my conversations with the Summer Associate Committee at Jones Foster and could not have been more grateful to be offered a position for the summer.
What areas of law are you currently interested in pursuing and why?
My interests include litigation, real estate, and land use. I became interested in these areas of law during my time as an undergraduate student at the University of Florida and during my internship with the Southern District of Florida.
What are you most excited to experience as a Summer Associate at Jones Foster? What do you hope to accomplish?
I am most excited to experience the collaborative law firm environment. My goal is to learn as much as I can about the practice and business of law.
How has the past year of social distancing affected your law school journey? Has it altered your perspective on the Summer Associate experience?
In the past year, I have missed engaging with my colleagues and professors in person. During this time, I have learned a great deal about the importance of resilience and perseverance despite the challenges presented. I am thankful to be working in person at Jones Foster this summer.
Jones Foster is a commercial and private client law firm headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. Established in 1924, the Firm has served as an integral part of South Florida’s growth and prosperity for nearly a century. Through a relentless pursuit of excellence, Jones Foster delivers original legal solutions that help clients, colleagues, and the community to move forward. The Firm’s attorneys focus their practice in Real Estate, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Private Wealth, Trusts & Estates, Corporate & Tax, and Land Use & Governmental. For more information, please visit www.jonesfoster.com.
