Return to the Summer Clerks Program
Cole Bozic
West Virginia University College of Law
“There are so many things about the Summer Clerk Program at Bowles Rice that are special: the fact that we work hard to play hard, the way attorneys listen to clerks and value the work that is done, and the diverse projects that clerks are able to work on. But my favorite Summer Clerk experiences are the road trips. I love getting to meet attorneys in other offices, meet clients and tour facilities. I was so surprised at how much I learned about who we represent, the communities in which we do business and the people that help make Bowles a really great law firm. This year, we were able to go to the 6th Circuit and talk in the Judge’s chambers for an hour. I learned about the ins and outs of being a [Federal Court of Appeals] circuit judge, and all the perks and pitfalls that he identified. Experiences like those don’t come along every day. Bowles does a great job of exposing the clerks not only to the work, but to the life of being a lawyer. I think that side of the clerkship is invaluable.”
Chris Edwards
Washington and Lee University School of Law
“Clerking at Bowles Rice has been a great experience. I’ve been most impressed by the amount of substantive work and responsibility I’ve been given, even though I have only finished my first year of law school. Not only have I been able to draft actual motions and complaints, but I have attended depositions, hearings, and even participated in client relations.
A few weeks ago, I attended a hearing for a case on which I had done significant work. Realizing that I had suggested many of the arguments being made was pretty surreal. This hearing made me fully understand that the work I had done was important to the client and the firm.
When I tell my family and friends what I am doing for the summer, many of them respond by asking, “so you’re basically an intern, right?” Personally, I feel like the responsibility I’ve been given is much more than what is given to your typical “intern,” and I don’t know if I would feel that way if I was working at another firm.”
Lara Omps
West Virginia University College of Law
“As a returning summer associate, I entered the summer hoping for practical experiences and more interaction with clients, and I was not disappointed. This summer I attended numerous depositions with a partner, and he gave me valuable advice on how to prepare for depositions. Also, I was able to assist a partner in one particular matter over the course of the summer. I began by conducting initial research on key issues, but that soon blossomed into writing a bench brief, meeting with the client, attending the hearing on the matter, and drafting a proposed order with findings of fact and conclusions of law, objections to the opposing side's proposed order, and a rebuttal brief. The Bowles Rice summer associate program gave me a multitude of practical experiences and opportunities that have not only prepared me for finishing my third year of law school, but also provided me with a smooth segue into life as a lawyer. ”
Ryan Kent
West Virginia University College of Law
“Being a Summer Clerk at Bowles Rice has truly been an enjoyable experience. Not only have I been able to learn a lot about the practice of law, but I have also been able to witness the hard work, dedication and preparation that it takes to be a great attorney. The Summer Clerk outings provided fun and excitement. I probably never would have had the chance to visit and tour Keeneland, or experience a canopy tour at the New River Gorge. Those were two experiences that I will never forget!"
Brittany Vascik
West Virginia University College of Law
“Being a Summer Clerk at Bowles Rice is fast paced, exciting, and ever-changing. When we began the summer, we had no idea what type of work would come our way and this summer was not disappointing! With all of the clerks travelling to various court houses, record rooms and client sites around the state, seeing cases in motion was never a problem. Between drafting documents, researching novel case issues, and observing depositions and hearings, being a Summer Clerk at Bowles Rice helped teach the practical law skills that you cannot get in law school. Working directly with partners and associates in the firm created a sense of team and everyone worked toward the larger group success. The overall Summer Clerk experience has made me feel more confident in my legal abilities and future career.”
Travis Brannon
West Virginia University College of Law
“The Summer Clerkship Program at Bowles Rice is a premium experience. The partners, associates and staff are committed to providing clerks with a major opportunity for professional growth. I worked personally with over 15 partners and 10 associates, while also attending mediations, depositions, arbitrations and a loan closing. A Summer Clerk at Bowles Rice is fully immersed in the practice of law and finishes the summer with a sense of extreme accomplishment. The clerkship program does not prepare you to be a successful clerk, it prepares you to be a successful young attorney.”
Lizzy Margolin
West Virginia University College of Law
"My experience at Bowles Rice as a Summer Clerk has been nothing less than exciting. I have gotten to work with many different practice groups, as well as attorneys from offices in Charleston, Morgantown, Martinsburg and Parkersburg. The hands-on experience has been invaluable and allowed me to begin to develop skills that I will use throughout my career. However, the most amazing part of my summer has been the interaction with the people at Bowles Rice, who really reached out to the Summer Clerks and encouraged us to get involved in different areas. With so many wonderful mentors and teachers, my summer at Bowles Rice was definitely a success."
Mike Bush
West Virginia University College of Law
“Bowles Rice summer clerks are immersed into the life of a lawyer. When a senior partner comes to your office and asks for your opinion of a legal issue, the study of law becomes really exciting. Expectations for summer clerks are quite high, but Bowles Rice offers incredible resources and support to help each clerk learn how to be a successful lawyer while maintaining a perfect work-life balance.”
Lindsey McIntosh
West Virginia University College of Law
“Being a Summer Clerk at Bowles Rice is great because you are treated like an important part of the firm from day one, not just an intern that is only there for the summer. I think that this is important because you know immediately that your work and ideas are valued by the firm.”
Jessie Reckart
West Virginia University College of Law
“Law school does not prepare you to practice law. A hypothetical can never spark the realization that the client depends on your ideas, logic, and language. A summer spent with a firm like Bowles Rice, however, can.”
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