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 2016, Taylor Porter has six summer associates, and our law firm is proud to profile these students and gain their insight from the Taylor Porter summer associate program.

Learn more about the Taylor Porter Summer Associate Program

Harith Razaa, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, Class of 2017

Harith Razaa will enter his third year at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he is a member of Loyola's Moot Court staff and President of the Tax Law Society. Harith was the recipient of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society Scholarship and treasurer of Loyola's Black Law Student Association. He has worked as a legal researcher for the Gulf Coast Center for Law and Policy and with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services' Low Income Taxpayer Division. Harith has also completed IRS certification and volunteers as a tax preparer and reviewer for Loyola's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Harith received his B.S. in Agricultural Business from Louisiana State University. Harith is clerking under the mentorship of Taylor Porter attorneys John McDermott and Katia Bowman.

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

I am primarily interested in tax law and other transactional practices. However, since starting the clerkship at Taylor Porter, I have found some interest in general litigation as well. My mentors have been extremely supportive in ensuring that I get exposure to not only to my interests but other areas of the law.

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

The Taylor Porter summer associate program has helped me improve my problem-solving skills and understand the practical side of the legal field. The majority of my law school education has been theoretical, but this program has allowed me to see the real world application of what I learn at Loyola.

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

My mentors are John McDermott and Katia Bowman. They have been extremely helpful throughout every step of my clerkship. They both have gone above and beyond to give me valuable professional and personal advice about life as an attorney. They have taught me the importance of effective workplace collaboration.

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

Taylor Porter truly is a “family” environment. From day one, every attorney/staff member has made me feel like a part of the firm. Taylor Porter has a rare environment in which the firm is able to provide first-class legal services, while maintaining an encouraging workplace.