I’m honored to be spending the summer at RumbergerKirk in the Orlando office. As a law student who is passionate about litigation and mentorship, I was drawn to RumbergerKirk because of its stellar reputation in the legal community. However, what truly set it apart for me was the interview process. My interview was unlike any other I had. It was the first time I felt genuinely seen as a person, not just a résumé. The attorneys I spoke with were thoughtful and curious, allowing me to relax and my personality to come through in a way it didn’t in any other interview. When I received the offer, I was thrilled, and I knew in my gut that this was the right place for me.
After just one week, I can confidently say my instincts were right. From the moment I arrived, the experience has exceeded my expectations in every way. Even before the program officially began, several of the summer associates met up for dinner at a rooftop bar in Downtown Orlando, where some of the out-of-town associates were staying. It was the perfect informal kickoff to the summer and from that first evening, I could tell that this was a special group. I already felt lucky to be included.
That feeling only grew stronger the next morning, when I learned that our class is the first all-female summer associate class in RumbergerKirk’s history. It’s an incredible honor to be a part of this milestone moment and to be surrounded by such intelligent, driven, and kind women. It is extremely empowering and a reminder of the bright future ahead in the legal profession.
Our first few days were filled with orientation and training sessions designed to ensure we’re set up for success. From practical skills to office procedures, the sessions were both informative and encouraging. The firm made sure we knew we had resources and support at every turn. One small, but incredibly meaningful, gesture stood out immediately. Each Summer Associate was welcomed to our office with a beautiful orchid. It’s those little things that say so much about the firm’s culture. (Full disclosure: my first summer research assignment will now include how to keep an orchid alive.)
Beyond training, we’ve had the opportunity to connect with attorneys through lunches and dinners at some of Orlando’s most trendy restaurants. These meals have provided a more relaxed setting to get to know the people behind the titles. One highlight was a mentor lunch with my mentor, Graham Marcus, and Julia’s mentor, Hannah Steel. They’ve already gone out of their way to answer our questions and make us feel at home. It’s clear that mentorship here isn’t just a label, it’s a priority. In short, the first week at RumbergerKirk has been filled with learning, connections, and a strong sense of belonging. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer holds.
