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.
Kimberly M. Taulbee joined Shutts’ Tampa office for the summer from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Kimberly is Treasurer of the Christian Legal Society and the Florida Bar RPPTL Liaison for the Real Estate Law Association.
Kimberly shares her thoughts on her summer experience at Shutts.
Why did you choose to join Shutts for the summer?
Shutts has a great reputation in the Tampa Bay area and a well-developed real estate practice.
What is something that you learned or a new skill that you gained during the summer program?
I learned a lot about the land use litigation process. With no litigation experience, it was a great experience observing the various depositions and an administrative hearing. Thank you to Eric Page for exposing me to an area of law I had never considered!
Describe a typical day as a summer associate at Shutts.
For me each day was different. I worked with a lot of different attorneys in different practice areas. Some days I was working on tasks from the time I arrived until I went home. Other days, I had some time to wander the firm, meet attorneys and learn about their practice areas. There were also regular opportunities to network with associates, partners, and other people in the industry.
What were your expectations for the summer and have they been met (or exceeded)?
My expectation for the summer was to determine if Shutts is the right firm for me as I begin my career as an attorney. It absolutely is! The learning potential is vast and the atmosphere is comfortable and professional. Shutts invests a lot of attention to mentoring and training their associates for success.