From Law School to Legal Practice: A Summer at Hilger Hammond
By Anna Skidmore
I had the privilege of joining Hilger Hammond’s team for my 1L summer internship. From my first day, I was entrusted with meaningful work and welcomed as a contributing team member. There was no shortage of opportunities to learn, and attorneys across the firm consistently involved me in substantive projects. I was given hands-on opportunities to assist with construction litigation matters, lien filing, and drafting.
“These assignments challenged me to apply the legal principles I learned during my first year of law school while developing practical drafting skills that can only be gained through real-world experience. “
Work at Hilger Hammond
During my time at Hilger Hammond, I also completed a variety of legal research projects that strengthened my research and analytical abilities across multiple practice areas. My work touched on issues involving civil procedure, contracts, and some tort law, allowing me to expand upon the foundational knowledge I developed during my first year of law school and appreciate how those subjects intersect in practice.
Beyond written assignments, I observed client meetings and mediation sessions, experiences that enhanced my understanding of both the legal and strategic aspects of complex litigation. Watching experienced attorneys interact with clients, negotiate disputes, and navigate procedural issues provided valuable insight into the interpersonal skills and sound judgment required to be an effective advocate.
Mentorship
I was extremely fortunate to assist a talented group of attorneys and especially appreciated the mentorship I received from Ben Hammond. Ben consistently encouraged me to take on projects that were entirely new to me, while also making sure I had opportunities to observe hearings, meetings, and other procedural events throughout the firm.
His willingness to answer questions, provide thoughtful feedback, and invest time in my professional development made my experience especially rewarding. I left each assignment with a greater understanding of both the law and the practical considerations involved in serving clients.
I genuinely enjoyed being part of the firm’s culture. The welcoming environment made it easy to feel like a member of the team. Everyone at Hilger Hammond was incredibly supportive and accommodating of my unique schedule while ensuring I always had no shortage of work to engage with. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have spent my summer with Hilger Hammond, and I will carry the knowledge, skills, and professional relationships I developed there throughout the remainder of law school and into my legal career.
