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.
Sydney Q. Moran joined Shutts’ Jacksonville office from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. There, Sydney is a member of the Student Bar Association, the Law Association of Women, the Real Estate Law Association, the Environmental Land Use Law Society and the Association of Law and Business.
Sydney’s summer experience is highlighted below.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a summer associate position on how to be successful?
Connect with Summer Associates and the attorneys in your offices (and other offices) to learn more about what kind of work they do. They are a great resource for brainstorming creative answers to problems, as well as giving you professional advice. Ask questions about the cases you are working on, so that you can start to make connections and understand the workflow of each area of law.
What were the three most memorable experiences throughout your time here?
I really enjoyed travelling to Miami with the Summer Associates because we were able to connect with one another and learn more about the culture at Shutts. We spent time serving alongside colleagues from other firms at the beach cleanup event in Key Biscayne. I also enjoyed playing golf with the Jacksonville office and spending time learning about their different practices.
What is something that you learned or a new skill that you gained during the summer program?
During this summer, I learned about the intricacies of litigation. I was given the opportunity to working on drafting motions, as well as responding to discovery and observing deposition.
Describe a typical day as a summer associate at Shutts.
Every day was different. There were days I immediately got started on an ongoing project, and other days I talked to my practice group to see what deadlines were approaching to plan my day accordingly. The Summer Associates would walk to lunch in Riverside a few times a week. I had a good variety of observing attorneys, drafting written work, and getting to know my colleagues in the Jacksonville office.
About Shutts & Bowen LLP
Shutts & Bowen, established in 1910, is a full-service business law firm with approximately 270 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.