Our 2022 Summer Associate Program brought seven law students to the firm for an intellectually challenging and professionally gratifying experience. The students took part in firm-sponsored social events and community service projects throughout the summer in addition to attending client meetings, depositions, court hearings and other proceedings. Nearing the end of the program, the students agreed to share a few highlights from their summer at Shutts.
Ashelin Myus joined us from the University of Miami School of Law, where she is the President of OUTLaw and a member of the Business Law Society. She previously interned at the SC Small Business Development Center. Ashelin is participating as part of the 1L LCLD Scholars Program, which is designed to strengthen the legal pipeline by expanding the number of opportunities for diverse first-year law students.
Here are Ashelin's thoughts about the program.
How did you decide to pursue this position?
As a gay woman, I was impressed to learn that Shutts was participating in the 1L Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Scholars Program. Due to the firm’s excellent reputation and commitment to promoting diversity, I chose to apply.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a summer clerkship and how to succeed in it?
I would recommend researching the firms you are interested in, reaching out to previous Summer Associates, and applying early. Once you have the position, I would recommend being proactive and asking for feedback. An inquisitive mind is a Summer Associate’s greatest asset. Be prepared to learn something new every day. A summer program is an outstanding opportunity to develop new skills and gain practical knowledge that will ultimately help you excel as an attorney.
Describe a typical day on the job.
A6. Once I arrive at work, I respond to emails and determine which assignments are high-priority. After I have a grasp on the workload, I check in with the other Summer Associates to see what they are working on. Partners will reach out directly throughout the day and ask if we have the capacity to take on new assignments. Lunchtime is different each day, but the Summer Associates typically eat together, or we are invited out to lunch. Once I reach a stopping point for the day, I often provide an update to the attorney(s) that I am working with. The firm does a phenomenal job at planning social events to allow the Summer Associates to build relationships, so I will occasionally attend an evening event after work.
What are your plans after the conclusion of the program?
After this program concludes, I will be attending Lavender Law, a conference for LGBTQ+ law students. The following week, I will be going on a cruise. Upon return, I will be starting my second year at the University of Miami School of Law.
About Shutts & Bowen LLP
Established in 1910, Shutts & Bowen is a full-service business law firm with approximately 300 lawyers with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Learn more about Shutts & Bowen at www.shutts.com.