A student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law, Melanie was the Space, Cyber & Telecommunications 1L Chair and a member of the Women’s Law Caucus, serving as the Auction Chair. She attended the University of Northern Iowa, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, cum laude. While a student, she was a Presidential Honors Scholar, scholarship athlete on UNI’s Division 1 Women’s Soccer Team, and served as the Team Coordinator for the UNI Women’s Club Soccer Team.
Q: Before this summer, what area(s) of law were you most interested in practicing? Describe how your interests changed or strengthen during your time as a Summer Associate?
A: I’ve always wanted to be a litigator. I started at Fraser without having any real experience drafting pleadings. Throughout my time this summer, I sought out drafting opportunities, and I was given quite a few. I learned so much from the attorneys I drafted pleadings for, and they really helped boost my confidence in this area.
Q: What was something you experienced this summer that really surprised you?
A: I learned the basics of house framing through the Habitat for Humanity outing! I had no idea at the beginning of summer that I would be helping build a house.
Q: How did you feel like the mentorship provided by Fraser Stryker’s attorneys helped you during this summer?
A: I had formal and informal mentors this summer, and all of them were amazing. They helped me gain confidence in myself and figure out which areas of the law I like/dislike. My mentors also gave me guidance on how to achieve the legal career that I envision for myself. I am so grateful for all the attorneys and paralegals who took the time to mentor me this summer.
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.