“How I Spent My Summer Internship at Hilger Hammond”
By Tyler Penlerick
During the summer of 2025, I had the opportunity to complete an internship with Hilger Hammond, a law firm specializing in construction law.
I pursued internship opportunities at both Hilger Hammond and Kent Companies after being inspired by conversations with my dad, other industry professionals, and my growing interest in the intersection of business, contracts, and the built environment.
Here’s my ‘report’ on what I learned.
“Growing up, and still today, I’ve always been an intrinsic, philosophical thinker, constantly wondering why people do the things they do. That curiosity naturally drew me toward the legal field. I’ve long been fascinated by how laws – these highly structured, deliberate agreements – can shape entire industries, resolve conflicts, and govern society.”
A Collaborative Legal Process
From my very first week, I was surprised by how collaborative the legal process is. I had imagined practicing law as mostly solitary, researching, drafting, and occasionally seeking advice. Instead, I found constant collaboration between attorneys, paralegals, and sometimes even clients.
I was especially intrigued by the strategic thinking involved in every decision, whether it was contract negotiation, dispute resolution, or choosing not to pursue a certain course of action. At Hilger Hammond, I learned that law isn’t just about knowing statutes and case law; it’s about applying them creatively to solve problems.
Inside the Litigation Process
One of the highlights of my internship was sitting in on and participating in mediations and arbitrations. These sessions gave me a front-row seat to litigation in action, watching attorneys prepare cases, present arguments, and respond to counterpoints in real time.
I quickly learned that mediation is as much about understanding people as it is about applying the law, especially for the mediator. It was both intense and enlightening to witness opposing parties work toward (or sometimes struggle to reach) a resolution.
Lessons from Experienced Attorneys
Throughout the summer, I had the privilege of shadowing multiple Hilger Hammond attorneys, each of whom left a lasting impression. One standout moment was working attorney Chad Antuma who took the time to walk me through a complex dispute, explaining not only what was happening but why certain strategic choices were made.
Watching them navigate tense negotiations with professionalism and tact felt like a masterclass in legal strategy and communication.
Advice for Future Interns
If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone considering a legal career or law firm internship, it would be this: Don’t just observe… immerse yourself. Be a sponge.
As an undergraduate, you’ll be introduced to a lot of new information. Take every opportunity to absorb it. Ask questions. Volunteer for tasks outside your comfort zone. Explore areas of law you’ve never considered. The more you put into the experience, the more you’ll gain from it.
What’s Next
This fall, I’m returning to Texas State University to finish my degree in Criminal Justice before pursuing law school. My time at Hilger Hammond has not only strengthened my passion for the legal profession, but also confirmed my goal of building a career in construction law.
I’m more motivated than ever to continue down that path.
