"I appreciated the honest, open and dedicated approach."

I had high hopes for my first "real" job in the legal field. First, I wanted a firm that would let me to find out firsthand what being a lawyer was all about — I wanted to work with real clients, on real cases, and have real responsibility. I looked for a great work environment where I would be treated as a peer. And I wanted to have a little fun too, before I went back to the grind of law school.

My experience as a summer associate for Stanislaw Ashbaugh far exceeded my expectations.

My 2L summer was my first opportunity to put my newly acquired legal skills to good use — and that's exactly what I got to do at Stanislaw Ashbaugh. From the moment I walked into the office, I was treated as a capable part of the legal team. The projects I worked on reflected this.

The highlight of my summer was working with Miles Stanislaw and the Vice President of a large international construction company to research and prepare for a week-long arbitration I participated in. In fact, many of the projects I worked on led to the additional responsibility I sought. Not only did I conduct the legal research for a summary judgment motion on a multi-million dollar insurance case, I also drafted the entire motion, which was later filed with the court. I was even given the opportunity to present oral argument for another summary judgment motion I helped draft.

Toward the end of the summer, I became primarily responsible for a client with a contract dispute. I conducted the client interview, presented my case strategy and action plan to the supervising partner, and carried out the necessary steps to achieve the client's goal. It was extremely rewarding when the dispute was settled as a result of my efforts.

My summer experience at Stanislaw Ashbaugh wasn't just about projects and legal research. It was also about getting to know the firm and the accomplished, fun people that work here. I was invited to several activities including golf tournaments, outings at Emerald Downs, Mariners and Sonics games, wine tasting, boat outings, bowling, an annual Mojito party and many others. The lawyers I worked with have balanced lives that involve hard work, family time and social activities.

It was important to me that the firm I work for had a great dynamic. I'm motivated by the people around me and needed to make sure that the firm I chose would be a good fit. I wanted to enjoy coming to work every day and be surrounded by people who would mentor me — people I could respect and trust. After spending an entire summer working and interacting with the people at Stanislaw Ashbaugh, I knew it was the firm for me. I saw both professional and personal qualities in the associates and partners at Stanislaw Ashbaugh that I hoped to develop myself. I appreciated the honest, open and dedicated approach each person at Stanislaw Ashbaugh takes toward legal and non-legal issues.

My experience at Stanislaw Ashbaugh as a Summer Associate broadened and enriched the education I received in law school. It allowed me to develop the skills I would need as a lawyer — how to interact with clients and opposing counsel, case development and strategy and how to write persuasive legal arguments. I felt I had found a firm that would positively impact my professional and personal development.

Ana Popp
University of Washington School of Law, J.D., 2007
Stanislaw Ashbaugh Summer Associate, 2006