The summer of 2020 was not supposed to play out this way. Not for Californians. Not for the country. And certainly not for our summer associates.
The annual summer associates program is a much-anticipated tradition at Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP. Carefully vetted 2L law students invited to participate welcome the chance to apply and test their legal accumen within a busy construction law firm. The firm’s associate attorneys selected to spearhead the two-month, hands-on mentoring and training experience see it as a chance to give back by helping to advance the development of future colleagues. The process has evolved and endured for more than two decades. Among current firm partners, distinguished alumni of the summer associates program include names like Finch, Baird, Blum, Jones, Lantz, Sillari, Scholz, and Witt.
MEET MARIE HULEN AND ORLANDO BARAJAS.
Cautious but undeterred by today’s COVID-tainted environment, our 2020 summer associates Marie Hulen and Orlando Barajas have embraced the opportunity to work beside our team of 31 lawyers while they also prepare for their final year at the University of San Diego School of Law. They are gaining valuable experience by assisting with deposition and trial preparation, performing essential legal research, reviewing large document productions, and aiding with corporate transactions. With so many California courts closed to in-person appearances, they are instead attending online depositions, mediations, and court hearings. Most importantly, they benefit from exposure to the real-life challenges and problems that our construction industry and business clientele face daily.
OUR SUMMER ASSOCIATES SPEAK CANDIDLY.
Read what Marie Hulen and Orlando Barajas have to say about their most unusual experience.
“Just over a month ago I could not have told you what it would be like to start a new job in the midst of a global pandemic. Now I can say, I haven’t shaken a single hand when meeting anyone, there are some members of the team at Finch, Thornton & Baird whose faces I haven’t seen without a protective mask, and some who I have not yet met in person. However, I can also say that every aspect of my work here has been welcoming, hands-on, educational, and positive in every way.
“At FTB I’ve had the opportunity be fully involved in cases: writing letters to the opposition, researching answers to legal questions so we can move clients’ cases forward, and compiling evidence to use at trial and arbitration. I have also been able to witness and assist attorneys as they continue to work closely with clients despite social distancing. In addition to learning foundational skills necessary to be a lawyer, it’s been incredible to support an essential business that is so impactful in our community and to be part of a hard-working team that delivers results!”
Marie M. Hulen
USD School of Law, 2021
“COVID-19 could not wither my great experience at Finch, Thornton & Baird this summer. One unexpected circumstance of the pandemic is spending nearly every lunch outside (and socially distanced, of course). As a result, I’ve become more familiar with everybody in the office: associates, partners, legal secretaries, you name it. I’ve observed firsthand that even in the worst of times, every person is charismatic and accessible. It is evident why people look forwarding to coming into work here.
“Despite the uncertainty and fluidity of this pandemic, the firm’s attorneys remain committed to my development as an aspiring attorney. Law school provides you the necessary background knowledge, but it does not teach you the practice of law. From the day I started, I’ve seen what the successful practice of law entails. I’ve worked on a range of projects, including challenging venue for a case, preparing deposition outlines, and drafting motions. The abundance of opportunity at FTB continues to inform my understanding of what the practice of law entails and I’m looking forward to learning more about construction law.”
Orlando T. Barajas
USD School of Law, 2021
