Six bright law students joined our team as 2023 Summer Associates for an intellectually challenging and professionally rewarding experience. Along with attending depositions, mediations, client meetings, and court hearings, the students also participated in firm-sponsored social events and lunchtime discussions. As the program comes to a close, the students agreed to share some highlights about their time at Christian & Small.
Claire Epps joined us from the University of Alabama School of Law where she is a member of UA Law’s Moot Court Board, the Journal of Law & Psychology, and the Public Interest Student Board.
Below, Claire answers questions about her summer experience at Christian & Small.
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Why did you choose to join Christian & Small this summer?
I heard about C&S’s reputation through peers and mentors while applying for summer positions during my 1L year. The firm was always spoken of in high regard, not only for its legal advocacy skills and expertise but also for its firm culture and desire for constant professional development. This balance was important to me when choosing a position for the summer, and my interviews with Christian & Small proved their reputation to be accurate. Everyone was genuine, without being overbearing, and made me feel effortlessly welcomed. From there, the decision to join the team was easy.
What advice would you give another student on being successful as a summer associate?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or take time from writing to observe the law in action. One of the worst things you can do as a summer associate is pretend you know everything. Not only could this make for an awkward conversation when you write an entire memo on the wrong issue, but it would also severely limit your learning. Similarly, avoid sitting at your desk writing memos and briefs all day. If an attorney offers you the opportunity to sit in on a deposition, hearing, mediation, etc., go. You’ll have plenty of time in law school to write but few chances to experience legal proceedings first-hand before entering the profession.
What did you learn, or what skill did you gain from your summer at Christian & Small?
I learned a great deal of substantive law relating to insurance defense, products liability, construction law, and personal injury. Working within different practice groups allowed me to gain a broad understanding of defense litigation while drilling down on issues within specific service areas. I also refined various practical skills, such as researching for and drafting a motion to dismiss, preparing for depositions and client meetings, and properly conducting mock interviews. I have no doubt that these experiences have made me a better legal professional and advocate.
What did you expect from your summer, and have those expectations been met?
I anticipated being exposed to the diverse practice areas of civil defense law and the various stages of civil litigation in general. I also expected to be challenged to analyze complex legal issues while developing my research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Finally, I hoped to cultivate mentorships and friendships to build a strong network within the legal community. The Christian & Small summer program exceeded my expectations, and I feel lucky to have had such a fulfilling experience this summer.
Claire Epps is a 3L and was a part in the Christian & Small Summer Associate Program. She is from Huntsville, Alabama, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. While at Alabama, she took a law-related class, mostly for fun, and discovered she really enjoys learning about the law and decided to pursue her J.D. at the University of Alabama School of Law. She is a member of the Law and Psychology Review and the Moot Court Board where she continues to hone her skills as a writer and oral advocate.
About Christian & Small
Christian & Small LLP represents a diverse clientele throughout Alabama, the Southeast, and the nation with clients ranging from individuals and closely-held businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. By matching highly experienced lawyers with specific client needs, Christian & Small develops innovative, effective, and efficient solutions for clients. With offices in Birmingham, metro-Jackson, Mississippi, and the Alabama Gulf Coast, Christian & Small focuses on the areas of litigation and business, is a member of the International Society of Primerus Law Firms, and is a Mansfield Rule™ Participating Law Firm. Our corporate social responsibility program is focused on education, and diversity is one of Christian & Small’s core values. Please visit www.csattorneys.com for more information.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.