As summer comes to a close, we’re proud to highlight the hard work and accomplishments of our interns, Suffolk University Law School students Samuel Scott and Anamaria Pananas. From day one, they brought energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine eagerness to learn, gaining meaningful experience over the past few months. As they return to the classroom this fall, they’ve reflected on a few key takeaways from their time at RIW:
Why did you choose RIW for your summer?
SAM: I chose RIW for my summer internship because I wanted to join a law firm with a strong reputation in Boston that offered a wide variety of practice areas. Coming from a business background, I was extremely excited about the opportunity to gain practical experience in multiple areas of business law to better understand where my career interests align. The direct mentorship I received throughout the summer from an array of accomplished attorneys has been an immense benefit to my professional development.
ANAMARIA: I wanted an opportunity to explore what it is like working at a mid-sized business law firm. Since I was still unsure about what type of law I wanted to practice, my goal was to find an internship where I could try my hand at both litigation and transactional work. RIW provided that exact opportunity, along with the chance to work and network with reputable Boston attorneys.
Tell us about some of the interesting matters you’ve worked on while at RIW.
SAM: I have had the opportunity to work in many transactional practice areas this summer, including Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Finance, Commercial Real Estate, Bankruptcy, and Restaurant & Hospitality. I helped to draft various certificates, closing agendas, and legal documentation necessary for the transactional process. I found it very interesting to learn about the many unseen complexities behind transactional work. I also gained valuable litigation experience this summer by drafting interrogatories, deposition notices, and conducting research in preparation for legal proceedings.
ANAMARIA: My work ranged from research for construction litigation and trusts and estates matters to reviewing leases, reseller agreements, and closing agendas. I was exposed to a wide variety of different documents, which helped me learn about their purpose and develop different drafting techniques. I also put my research skills to the test when it came to complex legal questions and practiced drafting cohesive memos. Whether it was researching, shadowing a project, or drafting, I was learning what it takes to become a resourceful attorney and produce high-quality work for clients.
What was your favorite part of your summer at RIW?
SAM: My favorite part of my summer at RIW was the opportunity to work alongside many talented attorneys while gaining practical legal experience in their respective practice areas. RIW provided a welcoming, friendly environment that enabled me to seek out projects in fields of law where I had little previous experience. The structure of this summer internship challenged me to develop a much more well-rounded legal skillset. There was a focus on learning the technical aspects of law as well as the networking and career-building side of legal practice, which can be equally important for young professionals.
ANAMARIA: It was a pleasure getting to know the people at RIW, and I am grateful to everyone who took the time to answer my questions and get to know me in return. I also enjoyed the freedom I had this summer to explore and ask for work that both interested and challenged me. I left with a lot more confidence and excitement for starting my career in law!
What advice do you have for others who are taking on a summer associate role?
SAM: The best advice I can provide is to put yourself out there and be willing to try new projects. A summer associate role at RIW is a unique opportunity that allows you to gain experience in multiple areas while receiving personalized mentorship from accomplished attorneys. It is immensely valuable to accept a wide array of assignments, speak with attorneys, and to be coachable. I have learned so much this summer by simply listening to feedback and advice from the wonderful attorneys at RIW.
ANAMARIA: Take advantage of the opportunity to try new things, even in areas of law you may not be interested in, because you never know what you’ll end up liking! There is something to learn in whatever you end up taking on. The summer at RIW is a great chance to experiment and grow both personally and professionally, and it’s up to you to make the most of it!
