Our 2023 Summer Associate Program brought 14 law students from eight law schools 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 D. Stinnett, an Orlando office Summer Associate, joined Shutts from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Keegan is a Governor’s Scholarship Recipient and has received the CALI Book Award in Transactional Conservation Law: Real Estate, Finance and Taxation. He also participates as a Teaching Assistant for Legal Writing II.
Here is what Keegan shared about his second summer at Shutts.
Why did you choose to join Shutts for the summer?
I returned to Shutts for a second summer because the firm made it clear they were invested in me as an individual and committed to providing the mentorship and support required to succeed in the practice of law.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a summer associate position on how to be successful?
Create a list of potential firms based on size and practice that fit your goals, then focus your efforts on finding the right cultural fit. The quantity of your time will be spent with your firm colleagues so it is important to make sure it’s the right fit. The character of your firm can be determinative of your career trajectory and personal happiness. Shutts offers a Summer Associate the chance to do high quality work with high quality people.
As a Summer Associate, I think the three keys to success are enthusiasm, humility, and diligence. Accept what you do not know and challenge yourself to go the extra mile to deliver the best work product you can.
Describe a typical day as a summer associate at Shutts.
I would typically get to the office between 8am-9am, get a coffee, check my email, and start working on my assignments. Partners and associates frequently stopped by my office to check in, invite me to lunch, or loop me into a matter they were working on. I would get assignments from a variety of practice groups by email, phone, or in-person and was asked to produced memos, pleadings, closing documents, exhibits, etc. It was typical for the firm to provide free food and I rarely had to plan for breakfast or lunch.
What were your expectations for the summer and have they been met (or exceeded)?
Returning for a second summer, I expected to face new and exciting challenges while forging a stronger relationship with the firm. I received a warm welcome back and was consistently given engaging work. Spending another summer at Shutts was wonderful.