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 first 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 is proud to profile LSU Law Center students Savannah Walker and Colin Peak.

Learn more about the Taylor Porter summer associate program

Savannah Walker, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Class of 2018

Savannah Walker will enter her third year at LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where she is an Hebert Scholar and senior editor for the Louisiana Law Review. She has received CALI Excellence Awards for the highest grades in Legal Research and Writing, Louisiana Law of Obligations, and Administration of Criminal Justice I and II. Savannah has been chosen for publication in Volume 78 of the Louisiana Law Review. Savannah was a former judicial extern for Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Savannah graduated summa cum laude from LSU with a bachelor of arts in English. Savannah is clerking under the mentorship of Taylor Porter attorneys Mike Crawford and Ashley Meredith.

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

Currently, criminal defense and personal injury. I hope to litigate, and I am drawn to the excitement and variety in these areas – but I am open to all possibilities.

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

Ashley Meredith and Mike Crawford. Ashley has given me great advice on managing the transition from law student to associate. She made me feel more confident by giving me an idea of what to expect and how best to prepare. I also went to court with Mike. That experience showed me the importance of being prepared for and able to adapt to unforeseen complications.

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

I have improved my research and writing skills and learned to manage my time and be efficient. Hands-on experience in the courtroom, in depositions, and in client interviews taught me things about effective advocacy and communication that you cannot learn in the classroom.

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

I really enjoy the variety of the work. I have been able to work on projects for lawyers in so many different practice areas, and in doing so, I have learned about areas of the law I had no familiarity with before. I also cannot say enough positive things about the friendly atmosphere at Taylor Porter. The environment makes clerks feel completely comfortable asking questions or seeking advice, so we are able to get the most out of our experience and do our best work.

Colin Peak, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Class of 2018

Colin Peak will enter his third year at LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He received his bachelor of science in biology from Millsaps College, where he was a member of the Millsaps Majors baseball team. Colin previously served as a judicial extern for Judge James Brady in the Middle District of Louisiana. Colin is clerking under the mentorship of Taylor Porter attorneys John Parker and Trey Tumminello.

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

I have been exposed to various practice areas since beginning my clerkship at Taylor Porter. It is difficult for me to narrow down a specific practice area at this point in time, but I do know that I enjoy litigation. I have been afforded the opportunity to attend numerous arguments and hearings, which is something that I find exciting and mentally stimulating. I love the competitive aspect of litigation and look forward to exploring more areas of the law in the rest of my clerkship here.

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

John Parker and Trey Tumminello are my mentors this summer. Both of them have been invaluable resources for me whenever I had questions or needed guidance. John has taught me a great deal about legal writing. Trey has given me a good idea of what it will be like to work as an associate. Trey does both litigation and transaction work, so he has taught me the value of being flexible and open to doing whatever type of work is available.

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

My clerkship at Taylor Porter has provided me with invaluable experience in all areas of the practice of law. I have had the opportunity to do extensive research, draft numerous memoranda, and attend arguments and hearings. In addition, Taylor Porter has taught me that your co-workers are the best resource that you have, and that effective communication and cooperation leads to better work product.

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

Taylor Porter has provided me with a great deal of experience that will help me be an effective advocate once I leave law school. I most enjoyed the learning process and seeing my work product improve, as I received valuable feedback from my mentors and assigning attorneys. What makes this firm great is the sense of comradery, and the availability of your co-workers to take time out of their day to help you with a complex legal issue. Everyone is on the same team at Taylor Porter, which is not only invaluable to clients, but makes it a great place to work.