Summer Programs: Jefferson City, MO
Day in the Life of a Summer Associate
By Chris Benne
Summer Associate:
2005
Associate Attorney:
2006-present
The Jefferson City office of Husch Blackwell Sanders offers an experience to Summer Associates not available elsewhere. As part of a large firm located in Missouri's capital, Summer Associates in the Jefferson City office are given the chance to work on complex litigation that many local firms do not have the resources to handle, while still enjoying the benefits of small town living. Because there are only three Associates in an office of ten attorneys, my involvement in these matters was often extensive. A perceived drawback of working with a large firm is often not being allowed significant client contact or other involvement outside of performing research, but this does not seem to be the case with Husch Blackwell Sanders generally, and is certainly not true within the Jefferson City office. Even as a Summer Associate, I was given the opportunity to meet with and assist clients personally.
The Jefferson City office is small, but the variety of legal areas a Summer Associate is exposed to is almost unlimited. There were times where, within a week, I worked in health care law, administrative law, business litigation, corporate transactions and environmental law. Not only did this help to keep the summer exciting, it gave me the ability to explore and develop an interest in areas I had not previously considered. In addition, because the Jefferson City office of Husch Blackwell Sanders is located in the state capital, I had the opportunity to work on political and legislative projects and litigation that potentially affect all Missourians.
In essence, the Jefferson City office of Husch Blackwell Sanders offers the best of both worlds for a Summer Associate. Not only was I able to actively participate in complex and stimulating assignments and litigation normally associated with practicing with a large firm in a large city, I was able to do it in the small community I love.