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.
Keegan Stinnett joined us from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where he is a member of the Association of Law and Business and the John Marshall Bar Association.
Keegan shared his thoughts on the summer program below.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a summer clerkship and how to succeed in it?
Be diligent and intentional in your efforts. There are a lot of jobs out there so it is important to focus your search and express interest in the firms you are applying with. To have a successful summer I think the three keys are humility, curiosity, and communication.
What were the three most memorable experiences throughout your time here?
It was just a small thing but seeing my name on the wall next to my office on my first day made me instantly feel like a part of the team and proved indicative of the how I was treated all summer.
Visiting the Miami Office for the Associate Seminar was awesome. I got to hear from the Partners about firm’s expectations and meet the other Summer Associates. It was a great experience which concluded with a beach cleanup with the other Summer Associates where we got to do some good for our local environment.
I had the opportunity to attend a Federal bench trial in Jacksonville and watch the firm’s lawyers in action. It was a great chance to see what it takes to execute at a high level, and it was especially memorable to watch a motion I helped draft be argued before the Court.
What are your plans after the conclusion of the program?
My immediate focus is applying the skills I learned this summer to my legal studies during my second year of law school and preparing for a successful 2L summer.
What were your expectations and have they been met (or exceeded)?
My expectations were to gain exposure to the legal profession and see what it is like to work at a large firm. My experience at Shutts far exceeded those expectations. Everyone at Shutts was so welcoming and willing to give me a chance at real assignments. Between the Staff, Associates, and Partners, someone was always checking in to make sure I had what I needed to succeed in my assignments and enjoy my summer. I was included in all of the firm events and enjoyed many lunches with the Partners and Associates. From day one I felt like I was a part of the team and that what I was doing was important. I was able to explore my legal interests and really get a sense for what I enjoy about the law. From participating in trial to presenting my analysis of a new law to the Real Estate Group, I felt like a valued member of the firm. I cannot thank the wonderful people of Shutts & Bowen enough for my experience this Summer.
About Shutts & Bowen LLP
Shutts & Bowen, established in 1910, is a full-service business law firm with approximately 300 lawyers in offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. Learn more about Shutts & Bowen at www.shutts.com.