Ward and Smith proudly collaborates with the North Carolina Bar Association's (NCBA) Minorities in the Profession Committee (MIP) to welcome Gavin Dacier and Carlyn Le Grant as 2024 Summer Associates.
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| Gavin Dacier Campbell Law School |
Carlyn Le Grant UNC Law School |
MIP champions diversity in the legal realm, fostering education, connections, and mentorship between law students and attorneys. This partnership strengthens Ward and Smith's unwavering commitment to diversity and its tradition of nurturing top talent.
"Our alliance with MIP not only bolsters our diversity efforts but also reflects our dedication to empowering the next generation of lawyers," said Melissa Forshey Schwind, Ward and Smith's Director of Attorney Recruiting, Professional Development, and Diversity and Inclusion. "We're delighted to have Gavin and Carlyn join our team."
This marks Ward and Smith's sixth year partnering with MIP to recruit first-year law students for its historically 2L Summer Associate Program. Notably, three associates—Justin Hill, Avery Locklear, and Genesis Torres—have since joined the firm full-time. Last year's candidate, Zach Dobbin, will return as a 2L Summer Associate this year.
Ward and Smith's 2024 Summer Associate Program runs May 13 through June 21.
About Gavin
Gavin, a distinguished graduate of North Carolina State University, is currently pursuing a Juris Doctorate at Campbell University School of Law. He is expected to graduate in 2026.
About Carlyn
Carlyn is currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina School of Law after graduating with honors from William & Mary. She will graduate in 2026.
