Tristan's Story

I wanted a summer associate experience that allowed me to, finally, witness the practice of law at close range. I wanted to be outside the academic vacuum, outside made-up fact patterns and mock trials. I wanted to get my hands dirty doing real work for real people. After all, that is why I went to law school-to eventually provide high-quality legal services to real clients facing real dilemmas. On my first day as a summer associate, I crossed my fingers and hoped for meaningful assignments, high-standards, and an office culture driven by results.

Ashbaugh Beal did not disappoint. Within the first two weeks I attended a multi-million dollar mediation, met clients at a zoning board hearing, and became the principal author of a motion to intervene. Best of all, by the end of the summer the motion had been granted! Furthermore, the assignments I received were as interesting as they were varied: at any given time I was working on projects as diverse as analyzing the corporate records of a 60-year old company, trying to figure out how to pierce the veil of a Delaware LLC, or writing a letter to a client about the likely success of attaching a workmen's lien. These were exciting, engaging challenges that directly impacted the underlying litigation or transaction. I am very grateful to have come out of the summer with improved legal acumen and a sense of true accomplishment.

I also had a lot of fun. In addition to the fascinating work, there were plenty of social events throughout the summer that allowed me to get to know my co-workers. Perhaps the highlight of the social events was the annual Associates' Dinner—a feast that will not be forgotten. However, these experiences were not a stand-in in for true warmth or amicability. Throughout the summer I felt the partners, associates, and support staff at Ashbaugh Beal went out of their way to make me feel like an integral part of the team. This part of being a summer associate—feeling like you fit in-is extremely important. The people of Ashbaugh Beal all did their best to let me know I was valued part of the firm.

I'm looking forward to starting my career at Ashbaugh Beal. This firm gives me a unique opportunity to take ownership of exciting legal work, have fun, and gain valuable legal skills from the many top-notch litigators and transactional lawyers who work here. My time as a summer associate was memorable, and I look forward to an equally memorable career at Ashbaugh Beal.

Tristan Swanson
Ashbaugh Beal Summer Associate, 2008