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At QPWB, we're committed to cultivating legal talent from within. Our Law Clerk Program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring attorneys to gain practical experience, build their professional network, and receive guidance from experienced mentors – all while completing their legal studies. But what truly sets our program apart?

In this interview, we sit down with Kevin Morales, an Associate Attorney in our Orlando Hub and a graduate of Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, who began his journey with QPWB as a Law Clerk. Kevin shares his firsthand experience in the program and how it helped pave the way for his successful legal career.

Discovering QPWB's Law Clerk Program

Kevin's journey with QPWB began with a simple job search. Intrigued by the firm's status as the largest minority- and women-owned law firm in the country and its diverse range of practice areas, he applied to the Law Clerk Program. This decision, as he describes it, was drawn by the firm's commitment to diversity and the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of legal fields.

A Supportive Environment for Success

During his time in QPWB’s Law Clerk Program, Kevin found a supportive environment that allowed him to balance his studies with practical legal experience. He particularly valued the firm's understanding and flexibility when he needed to dedicate time to bar exam preparation.

"They didn't give me any issues when I asked for 10 weeks off," Kevin shares. "I knew how intensive bar prep was... and I just wanted to put myself in the best position to pass on the first try." He emphasizes how this support alleviated stress and allowed him to focus on his studies.

Mentorship and Hands-On Learning

Kevin credits the Law Clerk Program with providing him invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship that prepared him for his current role as an associate attorney. He highlights the guidance he received from Eric Schiff, a senior attorney who provided him with challenging assignments and consistent support.

"Eric was just monumental in me learning a lot of these things," Kevin explains. "He always assigned me work. If I needed more work, I always went to him, and he always had something for me to do." This mentorship, combined with the opportunity to work on real cases, gave Kevin a solid foundation for his legal career.

Transitioning from Clerk to Attorney

Kevin's transition from law clerk to associate attorney was seamless, thanks in large part to the experience he gained in the Law Clerk Program.

"A lot of the things that I was doing as a law clerk are things that have come up while I've been an attorney," Kevin shares. "So it's some of these things that I already know how to do or I've done before, and I already have the general knowledge of some of these tasks"

This prior experience allowed him to "hit the ground running" in his new role, rather than needing extensive training. He expresses gratitude for the support QPWB provided throughout the program and the transition.

This prior experience allowed him to "hit the ground running" in his new role. He credits the firm's supportive environment for easing this transition and fostering his professional growth.

"I'm just full of gratitude for QPWB," Kevin says. "The support they provide is invaluable — knowing I could rely on them during the challenges of law school and the bar exam made all the difference. That kind of support system is essential for anyone starting their legal career." 

Advice for Aspiring Lawyers

Kevin offers two key pieces of advice for aspiring lawyers: gain practical experience early on and prioritize networking. He encourages students to seek out legal internships or clerk positions to gain a realistic understanding of the legal field and build valuable skills. He also stresses the importance of networking and building relationships within the legal community.

Key Takeaways

• Supportive Environment: QPWB's Law Clerk Program fosters a nurturing and encouraging environment where aspiring lawyers feel supported in balancing their studies with practical legal experience.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Law clerks have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from experienced attorneys at all levels, gaining valuable insights and building strong professional relationships.
• Hands-On Experience: The program provides law clerks with hands-on experience in various areas of law, allowing them to develop essential skills and gain a deeper understanding of legal practice.
• Seamless Transition: The Law Clerk Program serves as a strong foundation for a legal career at QPWB, offering a smooth transition from clerk to associate attorney.

Join the QPWB Team!

Kevin's journey exemplifies the success of QPWB's Law Clerk Program in fostering talent and launching legal careers. At QPWB, we're always seeking talented and driven legal professionals to join our team. Whether you're a law clerk eager to learn 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.