After three intensive days of summer associate orientation, Bilzin Sumberg treated us to our first firm event ¬– the Welcome Reception. It was the perfect event to kick off the summer, as it gave us the opportunity to meet and make personal connections with the seasoned attorneys that we will be working with over the next nine weeks.

As we walked in, we couldn’t help but notice the transformation of the conference room. The long table that we spent the first three days training at had turned into a welcoming array of cocktail tables with attorneys waiting to strike up conversation.

While it was labeled as a wine and cheese event, there was certainly more to eat than just cheese. Bilzin provided an extravagant buffet for us, including two of my favorite foods: sushi and fried chicken. In addition to the food, there was a complete wine and drinks bar, which included the special appearance of Sara Herald serving the first drinks of the night!

Al Dotson took this wonderful event as an opportunity to put the summer associates on the spot. Gathering us at the front of the room, Al asked each summer associate to introduce themselves to the group. Thankfully, Al kept it simple and did not ask for the classic “fun fact,” which surely would have made the summer associates’ minds race. Instead, we were asked to give our name, law school, year, and practice group of interest.

Everybody loves a little friendly competition, and it was on display as each of the introductions were met with roars, cheers, and boos. Whether it was cheering on their alma mater (hopefully the University of Miami) or their practice group, the attorneys made it clear where their loyalty stands. The biggest plot twist of the introductions came when Carolina Varas, a University of Miami law student, quickly announced her allegiance to her undergraduate school, the University of Florida, sending the room into utter chaos.

After introductions, the next two hours flew by. The room filled with big smiles, belly laughs, and meaningful conversations. People dug into food, sipped on their drinks, and made genuine connections with everyone around them. Before you knew it, Jessica Buchsbaum was ending the event as the sun began to set. It was the perfect kickoff to a summer that will certainly hold unforgettable memories, challenges, and experiences.