Ward and Smith recently announced the hiring of five law school students to work alongside attorneys as part of the firm's 2021 Summer Associate Program.
During their six-week-long legal internship, we're getting to know them better in our "Meet the Summer Associate" series. The next summer associate is a familiar face. Avery Locklear returns as a second-year law school student. She participated in the firm's program last year as the North Carolina Bar Association's Minorities in the Profession 1L Summer Program participant.
Catch up with Avery:
Hometown: Landis, NC
Law School: University of North Carolina School of Law
Would you like to share something about your family?
My family is very close, and we share a lot of the same interests! My father and sister are both attorneys, and my mother was a Chief Probation and Parole Officer for over thirty years.
What do you like to do in your downtime when you're not studying?
I love to run, go on walks, or cook.
What is your favorite movie?
"Jaws"
What is your favorite book?
"The Poisonwood Bible"
What is your favorite food?
Baked Potatoes
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere with a beach!
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
Greece
If you knew you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you pursue?
Start my own clothing line.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a unicyclist.
Why do you want to be an attorney?
I have always loved learned and wanted to help others, so this felt like a career where I could do both.
What sparked your interest in law?
Growing up my dad was an attorney and he always loved what he did, so that really drew me to the profession.
What is the hardest part of law school?
Being able to find what works for you whether that is when/how you study, or when you give yourself a break.
What are you most excited to learn during your time here at Ward and Smith?
What it is like to be an attorney at Ward and Smith, and how to apply the skills I have learned in law school to the real world.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Having a career at a place where I am happy and my voice and opinions are valued.
What's the best advice someone has given you?
There are a lot of things that you cannot control. But you can always control your attitude and effort, so always make sure you have a positive attitude and give your best effort.
Describe yourself in three words.
Hardworking, reliable, and motivated.
If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
Being the person to provide solid proof of Bigfoot's existence.
Western or Eastern barbecue? And why?
Eastern, because it is superior.
If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would the slogan be?
Never apologize for being yourself.
Ward and Smith's 2021 Summer Associate Program runs through June 25.
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