1. Summer Experience: Nicole Jia ’26L

Nicole Jia '26L is a third-year law student at Washington and Lee University and is originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is an active member of the W&L community, serving as Chair of the Moot Court Executive Board, former President of the Antitrust & Consumer Law Society, and Lead Articles Editor of The Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice. For the past two summers, Nicole has interned at Akerman LLP as a litigation summer associate in their New York office. After law school, she plans to return to Akerman as a full-time associate and start her legal career in New York City.

How did you find/get this position?

With the incredible support and mentorship of my 2L and 3L classmates, I applied to Akerman as a 1L and was fortunate to return for a second summer.

Describe your work experience.

As a litigation summer associate, I hit the ground running, putting my legal research and writing skills to use. I drafted objective memos, conducted research for upcoming settlement conferences, and was exposed to several facets of practice. My first summer, I observed a commercial litigation trial from start to finish and participated in a mock trial before the chair of Akerman's Litigation Practice Group and members of the executive committee. This summer, I broadened my experience into intellectual property matters, including trademark and copyright.

What were some skills you developed this summer?

I learned to think on my feet, become comfortable with unfamiliar tasks, adapt to different working and communication styles, and to always do one step more than what an assignment called for. The best piece of advice I received was to not simply complete an assignment, but to try to provide the solution.

What surprised you about the work you did this summer?

I was surprised by how much trust and responsibility I was given. The partners and associates treated me like a contributing member of the team from day one, which made the work both challenging and rewarding.

What was your favorite aspect of this summer work experience?

The associates at Akerman took me under their wing and made it their mission to ensure I was supported. Whether it was guidance on unfamiliar tasks or taking us to a Mets game, I loved getting to know the individuals who will eventually be my full-time colleagues.

Has this experience helped you figure out post-graduate plans, and if so, how?

Yes-my summer experiences have fueled my excitement for a future at Akerman and helped shape my understanding of what I want in a legal career.

How do you think this experience will shape the rest of your time at W&L Law?

This experience has given me clarity and motivation heading into my final year. I plan to take classes and actual practice courses that build on the work I engaged with this summer, while also refining the practical skills-like trial advocacy and client counseling-that I know will be essential in practice.

Outside Law School

Hobby/Interest

Bingeing movies & trying new workout classes

Book/Podcast Recommendation

Skip Intro Podcast & anything by Joan Didion

Favorite thing to do in Lexington

Camp out at Pronto or Wildberry Market

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