Before stepping into a law school classroom, Mickey Butkovich spent a decade on the job as a union car hauler with Teamsters Local 604. That experience gave him a firsthand understanding of the challenges working men and women face—and ultimately inspired him to pursue a legal career dedicated to advocating for them.
Now entering his second year at Saint Louis University School of Law after completing undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and St. Charles Community College, Butkovich has his sights set on plaintiff trial work. His goal is simple: help everyday people navigate the legal system and fight for those who have been wronged.
“I wanted to be able to advocate for my union brothers and sisters in a meaningful way and provide access to the legal system for regular people,” he said.
That mission made SWMW Law an ideal place to spend the summer.
Drawn to the firm’s people-first culture and commitment to representing individuals over corporations, Butkovich quickly found himself immersed in meaningful work and surrounded by attorneys who shared his passion for advocacy.
“What stood out to me was the culture,” he said. “This is a very mission-driven firm where everyone is focused on helping people.”
Throughout the internship, Butkovich gained experience across several practice areas, but it was the firm’s Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) practice that resonated most with him. Given his own union background, working on cases involving injured railroad workers felt especially meaningful.
“I really enjoyed the FELA work,” he said. “It was fascinating to see the practice of law in action and compare what we were doing every day with what we’ve been learning in law school.”
One of the highlights of the summer was observing the firm’s June trial, where Butkovich had the opportunity to watch Brockland and Zavaglia advocate for their client in the courtroom. He also valued the chance to learn from O’Brien, whose decades of experience representing railroad workers offered a unique perspective on plaintiff advocacy.
“I really enjoyed getting to talk with Mike and Sophie after each day of trial and watching Pat work,” he said. “Seeing experienced trial lawyers explain their strategy and approach was an incredible learning experience.”
Beyond the courtroom, Butkovich found some of his most meaningful lessons in client interactions. By shadowing attorneys and the Litigation Case Development team, he witnessed the trust, compassion, and communication that form the foundation of successful client relationships.
“Developing the trust and connection necessary to advocate for clients isn’t something you can learn in a classroom,” he said. “At SWMW, I saw firsthand how much every attorney truly cares about the people they represent. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ll take away from this summer.”
The experience also reinforced his long-term career goals.
“My time here gave me the confidence to pursue what I already believed I wanted to do,” Butkovich said. “It reaffirmed my desire to represent people who have been wronged by corporations and to fight for them every step of the way.”
Outside of law school, Butkovich enjoys playing chess, a hobby that reflects the strategic thinking and patience he brings to his legal studies.
Looking back on the summer, he says the internship offered far more than practical legal experience. It showed him what it means to be part of a team united by a common purpose: helping people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
For Butkovich, that’s exactly the kind of attorney he hopes to become.