At SWMW Law, preparing the next generation of attorneys isn’t something we view as an obligation – it’s an investment. Every summer, our Summer Law Intern Program gives aspiring attorneys the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into the meaningful work of advocating for individuals and families whose lives have been forever changed by asbestos exposure.
Over the course of the firm’s paid, 12-week internship, law students become active participants in the legal process rather than passive observers. Through structured rotations in Litigation Case Development, Discovery & Trial, and Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust departments, interns work alongside experienced attorneys and paralegals on real cases that have a real impact on people’s lives. They assist with legal research, attend depositions and court proceedings, observe client meetings, and gain firsthand experience with the strategy, collaboration, and compassion that define plaintiff advocacy.
The program also introduces interns to additional areas of practice across the firm. This summer, students once again had the opportunity to spend time with Partner Patrick O’Brien, learning about the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) and the firm’s work representing injured railroad workers. They also had the opportunity to shadow Partners Ben McIntosh and Dave Hylla on Personal Injury matters. The experience broadens their understanding of plaintiff litigation while exposing them to seasoned trial attorneys whose decades of experience offer lessons that can’t be found in any textbook.
New this year, the program was also shaped by several of the firm’s senior associates, who helped develop and structure portions of the internship curriculum. Their involvement brought a unique perspective, as each of them had experienced being law interns themselves. They were able to offer practical guidance, relatable mentorship, and valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities that await the next generation of legal professionals.
While legal knowledge is an essential part of the internship, professional development extends well beyond case files. Throughout the summer, interns participate in firmwide events, lunches, networking opportunities, and team-building activities designed to foster meaningful relationships with attorneys, staff, and fellow interns. From their first welcome breakfast to their final week at the firm, they are treated as valued members of the SWMW Law team.
“Our goal has always been to create more than an internship – we want to create an experience that helps students build confidence, discover their strengths, and envision the kind of attorney they hope to become,” said Human Resources Manager Billie Gray, who coordinates the program. “By giving them meaningful work, access to mentors, and opportunities to learn from every department, we’re helping prepare them for successful careers while reinforcing the importance of serving clients with compassion and integrity.”
For Member Lauren Williams, who helps with the firm’s recruiting efforts, the program provides students with something that law school alone cannot: perspective.
“Law school teaches students how to think like attorneys. Our internship allows them to experience what it truly means to be one,” she said. “They see how every conversation, document, strategy session, and courtroom appearance contributes to helping real people through incredibly difficult moments. Watching students connect what they’ve learned in the classroom to the work we do every day is one of the most rewarding parts of the program.”
Each year, the Summer Law Intern Program reflects SWMW Law’s commitment to mentorship, education, and the future of the legal profession. By investing time, knowledge, and experience into tomorrow’s attorneys, the firm hopes to inspire future advocates who will not only excel in the practice of law but also make a lasting difference in the lives of the clients and communities they serve.
This summer, SWMW Law was proud to welcome Mykala Delk, Armand Shabany, Annie Keeney, and Mickey Butkovich to the program. We’re grateful for the energy, curiosity, and dedication they brought to the firm, and we’re excited to share more about each of them – and their experiences in the program – in the features that follow throughout the week.