The first week of the summer associate program, Marshall Pasternack and Jessica Buchsbaum told us that the summer was going to fly by. Now, nine weeks later, I realize that they could not have been more right. My summer at Bilzin Sumberg has been an invaluable and unforgettable experience.

From the start, I was able to work on interesting and important assignments in a variety of practice areas because the firm encourages summer associates to work on projects from all practice groups. I worked with knowledgeable, skilled attorneys in Corporate, Tax, Real Estate, Litigation, Insolvency, and Land Use.

In addition, Bilzin Sumberg’s commitment to community involvement led us to participate in a host of enriching endeavors like the Virginia Key Restoration Project, a trip to the United Way of Miami-Dade, and a firm-wide “jeans day” to support the National Alzheimer’s Association. Fun and exciting social events like bowling and baseball were also on the summer calendar.

Two other highlights of the summer program: the mentor-mentee relationship and the Real Estate Mock Transaction. The firm provides mentors to help guide the summer associates, and I could not have been paired with a more perfect mentor (thank you Jessica!). In addition, the Mock Transaction allowed the summer associates to see and participate in a real estate transaction from beginning to closing.

And after nine weeks as a summer associate, my most difficult task has been trying to fit all of my amazing experiences into one blog post.