Ward and Smith’s 2018 Summer Associate Program is well underway with four talented law students getting firsthand experience of what it’s like working in a law firm.
While the lawyers-to-be will be busy over the next few weeks, we’re taking a moment to get to know them better in our series called Meet the Summer Associate.
In his own words, Xavier Lightfoot explains why he wanted to become an attorney.
Xavier Lightfoot
From Georgia
Birthday: January 2
North Carolina Central University School of Law (2L)
Why do you want to be an attorney?
As a child, I had dreams of becoming a lawyer. It may seem cliché but being able to truly help others while at the same time making my family proud always seemed appealing to me. I want to be an attorney because that is a path that has never been traveled before in my family, and I view the practice of law as an opportunity to further my personal goals while helping others along the way.
What are you most excited about learning during your time here at Ward and Smith?
I am most excited about learning about the different attorneys across the firm, and the paths they took that brought them to where they are currently. I have several practice area interests, and I am not certain on whether I would be best in a transactional or litigation related practice area. I am hoping that through my interactions and discussions with the attorneys and the work I receive this summer, I will have a more a narrowed focus on the practice area I want to pursue.
What do you like to do in your downtime when you're not studying?
I enjoy exercising that includes weightlifting with my some of my friends and outdoors running on the weekends. Also, I like to learn new things, so I enjoy reading books on different topics such as history, personal finance, and spiritual growth. However, there are many things that I like to do when I am not studying, but unfortunately, the rigors of law school do not allow me to indulge in all of them.
What's the best advice someone has given you?
I like to think that my parents have always given me the best advice, but when I was a Junior at East Carolina I had a friend who was a few years older than me and an auditor at the time with PWC. I remember talking with him about my goals as I was trying to figure out whether I should be an accountant or go to law school after I graduated. He looked at me and said, "man I have no idea, but trust in God, and he will allow you to make calculated decisions." My buddy told me something my parents have always stressed, which is to "trust in God."
If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would the slogan be?
My slogan would be to "always remain humble but stay hungry."
What is your favorite movie?
The first "Godfather"
What is your favorite book?
"Outliers: The Story of Success"
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Capetown, South Africa
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I wrestled in the individual state championship tournament in high school.
Ward and Smith’s six-week Summer Associate Program runs through June.
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Meet our other summer associate:
