As summer winds down, Jones Foster proudly concludes another successful season of its Summer Associate Program. This year, we were pleased to welcome Mary E. Byerley and Ryan D. Lantz, J.D. candidates at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. They joined our West Palm Beach office for a dynamic 11-week experience designed to bridge the gap between legal education and practice.
Throughout the program, Mary and Ryan worked closely with attorneys across a variety of practice groups allowing them to explore both transactional and litigation work in a real-world setting. They contributed meaningfully to assisting with case strategy, observing hearings, and participating in collaborative discussions that reflected the depth and complexity of real client matters.
Jones Foster’s Summer Associate Program is designed to immerse rising legal professionals in the multifaceted nature of private practice. By collaborating with shareholders, associates, and legal support teams across departments, summer associates gain exposure to both litigation and transactional work, develop practical skills, and begin forming the foundation of their future careers.
As their summer at the firm comes to a close, both associates shared how their time at Jones Foster shaped their perspective and helped them reimagine their potential career paths.
Yes, absolutely. I began the summer with a stronger interest in transactional work, but after assisting with litigation assignments, particularly in the probate department, I discovered how much I enjoy that side of practice. I appreciated the fast-paced nature of the work, the problem-solving involved, and the opportunity to observe how legal strategy unfolds in real time. It’s an area I had not seriously considered before, but it’s now one I’m eager to explore further.
The most rewarding aspect was having the opportunity to learn directly from highly experienced attorneys. Observing their work—whether in hearings, client meetings, or internal discussions—was incredibly valuable. Watching how they approach complex issues and communicate with clients and colleagues gave me a clearer understanding of what it means to be a strong attorney. It was an excellent opportunity to see professionalism and practical judgment in action.
The people at Jones Foster made a lasting impression on me. Everyone was approachable, welcoming, and genuinely invested in creating a positive learning experience. Whether I was working with partners, associates, or staff, I consistently felt supported. People took the time to explain things, check in regularly, and ensure I was gaining meaningful experience. It’s clear that the firm fosters a collaborative and respectful environment, and that made a real difference in my summer.
This summer gave me a much clearer picture of what day-to-day legal practice at a larger firm looks like. I had the chance to work on a broad range of matters, attend hearings, and engage in substantive conversations about legal strategy. I also received valuable guidance and feedback throughout the program. Perhaps most importantly, the experience gave me the confidence to explore areas of law I hadn’t previously considered. I’m leaving the program with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of my potential path forward.
The most rewarding part of my experience at Jones Foster this summer has been the opportunity to help create solutions for clients. It’s incredibly rewarding to collaborate with attorneys and staff on the complex issues that come up during the representation of clients, and the feedback and guidance from the professionals at Jones Foster has been an incredible benefit to my development.
Working in different practice groups over the course of the summer provided amazing insight to the different avenues available at Jones Foster. Throughout the summer, I was fortunate to observe the experienced attorneys at Jones Foster take depositions, prepare arguments, and advocate for their clients in court. Coming into the summer, I was unsure if I wanted to be a litigator. However, observing the process of litigating a case and assisting in the preparation has cemented my interest in litigation.
The summer associate program has significantly improved my perspective on the practice of law and representation of clients. The opportunity to analyze real client matters and be involved in a case as it progresses through the stages of litigation has been invaluable. Over the course of one summer, I have already noticed an adjustment in the way I examine issues and apply the relevant law. This shift can be attributed to the habits I learned from the professionals at Jones Foster and have tried to implement during my summer experience.
Summer associate experiences are so beneficial for developing as a young professional. The summer associate experience is a great way to build vital skills and be more equipped to provide value to your firm and clients as a young associate in the future. I would recommend J.D. candidates interested in a summer associate experience approach their summer with an open mind. Every day as a summer associate provides a chance to learn something new. By the end of the summer, those small lessons can add up to make a big difference in the development of your legal skills.
Jones Foster is a full-service commercial and private client law firm headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, with offices in Palm Beach and Jupiter. Tracing its roots back to 1924, the firm has served as an integral part of South Florida’s growth and prosperity. Through a relentless pursuit of excellence, Jones Foster delivers original legal solutions that help clients, colleagues, and the community to move forward. A significant number of attorneys have received the designation of Board-Certified Specialist by The Florida Bar in their specific practice area. The firm’s practice groups include Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution; Corporate & Tax; Land Use & Governmental; Private Wealth, Wills, Trusts & Estates; Real Estate; and Trust & Estate Litigation. For more information, please visit www.jonesfoster.com.
