Taylor Porter is proud of its annual summer associate program, which hires highly motivated, well-rounded law students to participate in two, six-week sessions. Under the guidance of practicing attorneys, our summer associates gain hands-on experience and interaction that reflect real life as a lawyer. During the second summer session of 2017, Taylor Porter has eight summer associates, and our law firm is proud to profile these students and gain their insight from the Taylor Porter summer associate program. In this article, Taylor Porter features LSU Law Student Christine Colwell.

Learn more about the Taylor Porter summer associate program

Christine Colwell, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Class of 2019

Christine Colwell is entering her second year at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU, where she has received the CALI Award in Legal Traditions and Systems and is a Chancellor’s Scholar. Christine serves as the treasurer for the Sports, Entertainment, and Media Law Society. She was named a Dean’s Scholar in Fall 2016 and Spring 2017. Christine graduated with honors from New Mexico State University with a BBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and was named the outstanding graduate for the Department of Marketing. She earned her Master’s in Sports Management from LSU in 2016. During the first half of this summer, Christine was a Legal Extern at the Tiger Athletic Foundation. Christine is clerking under the mentorship of Taylor Porter attorneys Mike Walsh and Robin Toups.

What practice area(s) are you most interested in and why?

“The practice areas I am most interested in are Sports Law, Alcohol Beverage Licensing and Zoning, and then Transactional Law. Growing up I played pretty much every sport I was able to, and developed a passion for sports. While completing my undergraduate degree I had the experience of working for the New Mexico State University athletic department for four years and developed a love for collegiate athletics, and went on to pursue my Master’s Degree in Sports Management at LSU. I am interested in a career in sports law because it allows me to combine both my love of sports and law, and allows me to pursue my dream of working in collegiate athletics. Working in Alcohol Beverage Licensing and Zoning also interests me because while I was obtaining my Master’s degree I had the opportunity to work with the Tiger Athletic Foundation in its premium seating department. I learned logistics of what it takes to host an event that is going to be serving alcohol, and all the laws that must be followed in order for alcohol to be served. Applying the knowledge I have of managing and hosting an event, with the legal aspects of alcohol licensing, interests me as a possible future practice area.”

Who are your Taylor Porter attorney mentors, and what have you learned from them about the legal field that will stick with you?

“My Taylor Porter attorney mentors are Robin Toups and Mike Walsh. Mike has taught me how important it is to get to know people in the legal community, to always be courteous, and the upmost importance of having a positive reputation as a an attorney, so that people enjoy working with you. Robin has taught me to always ask questions when you are not sure about something and to not be afraid to do so. In addition, she has taught me how vital communication is when speaking with others in the legal community, and to always be respectful.”

How has the Taylor Porter summer law clerk program helped prepare you for becoming a lawyer? 

“The summer law clerk program has provided so much real world experience that I would never receive in the classroom. Attending court, working with attorneys on a variety of projects, and interacting with other attorneys in the legal community are all things that will be beneficial to my future career. The Taylor Porter summer clerk program has provided me with real applicable legal skills that will help me be successful as an associate.”   

What do you like best about the TP Summer Associate Program?

“My favorite thing about the Taylor Porter Summer Associate Program is the variety of work and projects we are able to complete. I have had the opportunity to work on projects in practice areas that I would have never been exposed to and had no idea it was something I might be interested in until I started working the in program. Additionally, the Taylor Porter attorneys and staff treat you like you are one of their own and make you feel like you are not just a summer clerk, but a member of the Taylor Porter family. My experience in the program has been incredible and something I am very thankful to have been a part of.”