Ward and Smith is pleased to collaborate with the North Carolina Bar Association's (NCBA) Minorities in the Profession Committee (MIP) to select first-year law student Zach Dobbin as a 2023 Summer Associate.
MIP is committed to advancing diversity in the legal field through ongoing education and fostering connections and mentorship opportunities between law students and practicing attorneys. Through this partnership, Ward and Smith reaffirms its unwavering commitment to creating a diverse workforce while also upholding a longstanding tradition of engaging top talent from exceptional local law schools.
"At Ward and Smith, we strive to cultivate a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, while maintaining the highest standards of excellence in the legal field," stated Melissa Forshey Schwind, the firm's Director of Attorney Recruiting, Professional Development, and Diversity and Inclusion. "Partnering with MIP allows us to identify talented professionals, like Zach, early and help foster their development sooner since our Summer Associate Program historically has been reserved for second-year law students."
Through this arrangement, Ward and Smith has the opportunity to introduce Zach to the legal profession, provide mentorship opportunities, and help build relationships with other leading members of the legal community. In addition to mentoring from experienced attorneys, Zach will have access to a range of support services while gaining meaningful insights into the firm's culture.
"By investing in the next generation of legal professionals through initiatives like this one, the firm is confident that Zach will build lasting relationships as well as contribute valuable insight to the legal field," remarked Forshey Schwind.
Zach is joining the esteemed group of MIP Summer Associate alumni, including Justin Hill and Avery Locklear, who currently serve as labor and employment attorneys in Ward and Smith's Raleigh and Wilmington offices. Additionally, Genesis Torres will be joining the firm as a full-time labor and employment attorney in the fall.
Ward and Smith's 2023 Summer Associate Program runs May 15 – June 23.
About Zach Dobbin
Zach is presently pursuing his legal education at North Carolina Central University School of Law in Durham, after successfully completing his undergraduate studies at the esteemed University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is expected to graduate in 2025.
About Ward and Smith
Ward and Smith is a full-service law firm in North Carolina with offices in Asheville, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, and Wilmington. The firm has more than 100 attorneys knowledgeable in more than 35 practice areas, from agribusiness to zoning. Additional information about Ward and Smith's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion can be found on our website at https://www.wardandsmith.com/about/diversity-equity-inclusion.
