For Mykala Delk, becoming an attorney wasn’t a dream that developed later in life – it began in elementary school with the pages of a classic novel.
Growing up in Searcy, Arkansas, Delk first discovered the legal profession through To Kill a Mockingbird. Inspired by Atticus Finch’s unwavering commitment to justice, she began telling people she wanted to be a lawyer whenever they asked what she hoped to be when she grew up. That early curiosity only grew stronger over the years through books like A Civil Union, countless John Grisham novels gifted by her father, and conversations with the first real attorney she ever met – a woman whose children she babysat.
Now 27-years-old and attending Saint Louis University School of Law, Delk says those early influences have evolved into a passion for helping people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“I aspire to do work that is fulfilling and that I’m passionate about,” she said.
A history graduate from Hendrix College, Delk came to SWMW Law after working as a paralegal in elder law, where she found purpose in guiding families through probate and other challenging life events. She quickly recognized many of those same qualities at SWMW Law.
Although she was intrigued by the firm’s asbestos litigation practice, it was the people who ultimately convinced her to accept the internship.
“My interview with Sophie Zavaglia, Mike Brockland, and Matthew Nelke really stood out,” she said. “They were genuine, passionate about what they do, and you could immediately tell they enjoyed working together. The camaraderie here was obvious from the very beginning.”
Throughout the summer, Delk rotated through each area of the firm’s asbestos practice, as well as the firm’s FELA and personal injury practice. Every department offered a different perspective on plaintiff advocacy and challenged her to develop new skills.
On the Discovery & Trial team, she attended court proceedings and drafted discovery letters—tasks she had never encountered before law school. During her Litigation Case Development rotation, she sat in on client calls and depositions, learning firsthand about the lives of individuals affected by asbestos exposure. In the Bankruptcy Department, she gained an entirely new appreciation for how asbestos bankruptcy trusts continue to hold companies accountable and secure compensation for clients. Her final rotation introduced her to the firm’s FELA practice, combining two of her greatest legal interests: personal injury and employment law.
Perhaps the most eye-opening lesson, she said, was discovering just how collaborative the legal profession truly is.
“I’ve learned there is so much more that goes into a case than people realize,” Delk said. “There are so many individuals working together behind the scenes to help every client. That’s one of the things I love most about this firm—everyone genuinely collaborates.”
Some of her most meaningful experiences came not from paperwork, but from meeting the people behind the cases. While observing trial proceedings, she listened to testimony from a client’s widow and later had the opportunity to meet her personally.
“When you’re reading a case file, it can sometimes feel detached,” she said. “Hearing someone’s story and seeing what they’re going through reminds you why this work matters. It reinforces how important the work SWMW Law does really is.”
The internship also gave Delk confidence that she is pursuing the right career path. While she still has another year of law school to explore different practice areas, her experience at SWMW Law confirmed that plaintiff civil litigation is where she can see herself making the greatest impact.
Outside the office, Delk enjoys traveling, attending live music events, reading, watching movies, indoor rock climbing, and searching for unique vintage finds while thrifting. An avid traveler, she has already visited more than 25 countries and hopes to one day travel to every continent and at least 100 countries.
Reflecting on her summer, Delk says she’ll remember far more than the legal skills she developed.
“I love working here, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity,” she said. “Everyone has been incredibly kind and willing to teach me. I’ve learned so much, and it’s been inspiring to be surrounded by people who work so hard to make a difference for their clients.”