This year, we kicked off the Summer Associate Program at Bilzin Sumberg with a warm welcome from Jessica Buchsbaum, Betsi Cobas, and Jay Sakalo. The Summer Associates and I logged into our next virtual orientation session, and we were honored to see John C. Sumberg, Chairman of Bilzin Sumberg. During the Summer Program’s welcome remarks, Mr. Sumberg shared a few of his experiences and honed in on the importance of becoming involved in the community, building your reputation, and feeding your passions.

As the week flew by, Ed Lintz, Founder of Ready to File Writing, brought energy to our legal writing program. Within moments of finishing introductions, “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift blasted through our speakers, and the countdown began. Catapulted into Zoom breakout rooms, we had fifteen minutes to draft the introduction for a motion to dismiss. The two-hour session went quickly as we learned elements of a copyright claim, drafted a music licensing agreement, and discussed email etiquette at the firm. Ed kept us on our toes by looping pop sensations Taylor Swift, Madonna, and 3LW into our assignments.

We continued with our orientation sessions centered on conflicts, billing, Westlaw, and Bloomberg Law. But, the icing on the cake was a virtual meeting with my mentor, Ilana Drescher. We discussed goals for this summer, but most importantly, we updated each other on our lives while munching on lunch. As we jump into assignments and networking sessions, I plan to keep a quote that Jay mentioned at the forefront of my mind–“you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So, here’s to three-pointers all summer long.