Karsen Sims is set to graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Lawin May 2023. Karsen’s passion for volunteering has led her to several roles, including serving as an Outreach Volunteer for Tenant Assistance Program and current volunteer for the Debtors’ Defense Project, a new project that works to protect the rights of debtors in Nebraska. She was nominated as a member of the College of Law’s Pro Bono Committee, striving to cultivate pro bono opportunities for Nebraska law students for a more community-oriented legal education.
Q: In what ways do you feel the out-of-office experiences benefitted you?
A: “As an out-of-state law student and law clerk, I really enjoy all of the out-of-office experiences that Fraser Stryker provides for their clerks. A large part of how Fraser Stryker runs its firm is through client development, and getting to see how business can be done through fun events like the College World Series, tours of the Omaha Zoo, and more sheds important light on what it takes to be an attorney. In addition to all of the bigger events, participating in lunches and happy hours helps cultivate a work culture that is fun and makes me want to come back each day.”
Q: What are three key lessons about the legal field that you will take with you from your time at Fraser Stryker?
A: “Three key lessons about the legal field I will take with me from my time at Fraser Stryker are: (1) How to communicate with clients in a way that ensures they know their needs are being met, (2) the key to being a successful attorney is to listen and be curious enough to provide effective advice, and (3) I should learn how to golf.”
Q: What unexpected lessons did you learn from your experience at Fraser Stryker?
A: “An unexpected lesson that I learned from my experience at Fraser Stryker is that private firm like Fraser Stryker can still do a significant amount of pro bono and civil rights work. The attorneys at Fraser Stryker are invested in their communities and this is shown throughout the types of pro bono clients and cases they take on. Additionally, the law clerks had the opportunity to participate in the Nebraska Free Legal Answers program. Through this program, I was able to provide free legal advice to Nebraskans in need right alongside the private client work I was doing.”
About the Fraser Stryker Summer Associate Program
The Summer Associate Program is structured to give summer associates a realistic experience, which is comparable to that of a first-year attorney. Visit the Fraser Stryker Summer Associate Program page to learn more about our program.
This article has been prepared for general information purposes and (1) does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship, (2) is not intended as a solicitation, (3) is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice, and (4) is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney. Always seek professional counsel prior to taking action.