28 October, 2024
In: Blog
Comments: 0
Reading Time: 7 minutes
At QPWB, we believe in fostering talent from within. Our Law Clerk Program provides aspiring legal professionals with invaluable experience, mentorship, and support as they navigate the challenges of law school and prepare for the bar exam. But what truly sets our program apart?
In this interview, we hear from Heather Falcon, an Associate Attorney in our Orlando hub and a graduate of Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, who shares her personal experience and insights into how the QPWB Law Clerk Program helped jumpstart her legal career.
Heather's journey towards QPWB began as a paralegal seeking new opportunities. Intrigued by the firm's focus on complex civil litigation and the chance to gain paid experience as an untraditional law student, she joined the Law Clerk Program. In her own words, she "wanted to explore the field of complex civil litigation a little bit more because [her] prior background was in the legal field as a paralegal." This decision proved to be pivotal in her development as a legal professional.
During her time in the Law Clerk Program, Heather found a supportive and collaborative environment that allowed her to grow and develop her skills. She was given the opportunity to work on real cases, conduct legal research, and draft documents, all while receiving guidance and mentorship from experienced attorneys. This hands-on experience proved invaluable in preparing her for the challenges of law school and the bar exam.
Heather emphasizes the unwavering support she received during her clerkship, particularly from Robin Khanal, the Managing Partner of the Orlando Hub. The firm's flexibility allowed her to balance her studies with practical experience, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence as she prepared for the bar exam. When asked about Robin’s support throughout the program, Heather added, "He made me feel like I could take time off to focus on my school whenever I needed to, and just never questioned [me] whenever I needed to take that time off."
The Law Clerk Program at QPWB is more than just a job; it's an investment in the future of aspiring lawyers. Heather highlights the program's emphasis on mentorship, networking, and building a strong foundation for a successful legal career. She describes her experience as "a paid clerkship where I could gain extensive experience and further explore complex civil litigation."
Heather's dedication and hard work during her clerkship paid off. Upon completing the program and passing the bar exam, she returned to QPWB, welcomed with open arms into her first official role as an Associate Attorney.
Heather's story also underscores the importance of networking and building relationships within the legal community. She encourages aspiring lawyers to step outside their comfort zones and connect with mentors, peers, and professionals who can offer guidance and support. As she puts it, "Go to those networking events even though they're horrifically scary to do because you don't feel like you belong."
At QPWB, we're always seeking talented and DIFFERENCE-MAKING legal professionals to join our team. Whether you're a law clerk eager to learn, a paralegal with a passion for the law, or an associate attorney ready to take your career to the next level, we offer a supportive and collaborative environment where you can thrive. Explore our open positions nationwide and discover a career where you can make a real impact.