For Nick Zalkow and Brody Zaugg — both 2Ls at USD School of Law — the summer associates program at Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP offered just what they were looking for: a rigorous three-month internship at one of the premier construction law firms in California — if not all of America. But that’s another story.
A tradition of notable summer associates continues.
Among current firm partners, the program’s alumni include names like Finch, Baird, Blum, Lantz, Sillari, Scholz, and Witt. All seven began their legal careers here as law clerks.
For Messrs. Zalkow and Zaugg, the summer associates program offers the opportunity to work side-by-side with our team of 30 construction law attorneys while they also prepare for their final year of law school. They will gain valuable experience by assisting with deposition and trial preparation, performing essential legal research, reviewing large document productions, and aiding with corporate transactions. They will attend depositions, mediations, and court hearings. And they will enjoy some fun, too — all as a result of a carefully planned schedule of post-workday happy hours, employee celebrations, and construction industry association networking events.
“We find that our summer associates having the opportunity to spend time immersed in all of our legal practice areas allows them to gain real world experience that can be used throughout their remaining education,” says Nowell Lantz, partner in charge of the 2022 summer associates program. “The benefits of this show up best when they begin with the firm as associates and are already well versed in the issues we handle on a daily basis.”
Here’s what Nick Zalkow and Brody Zaugg had to say about their experience:
“My time at Finch, Thornton & Baird has allowed me to gain exceptional real-world experience. By having the opportunity to be exposed to foundational construction law issues — and interacting with other attorneys at the firm — my ability to analyze complex legal issues has improved tremendously. The attorneys I work for have pushed me to think dynamically about complex fact patterns involving multiple bodies of law, including real property, labor and employment, and contract law, to find every possible solution for our clients. This experience has allowed me to better understand the type of work ethic, focus, and determination required to become a successful attorney.”
Nick A. Zalkow
USD School of Law, 2023
“The culture at Finch, Thornton & Baird is one that fosters growth in everyone. With each interaction, members of the team have been eager to lend a helping hand. Anyone can read textbooks to study the law. But working at FTB has significantly increased my understanding of what it means to practice law. I have worked with partners and associates on issues ranging from Cal/OSHA inspections in the area of employment law to construction contract disputes. I have participated in trial preparation, analyzed statutory and case law, and drafted memorandums. And I have seen attorneys in action when I attended motions and depositions — further enlightening my understanding of what it means to practice law. These opportunities continue to motivate me and my desire to become an attorney. I could not be more excited for the future!”
Brody A. Zaugg
USD School of Law, 2023
