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How I’ve Grown Since My First Summer at Hinckley Allen: An Alum’s Reflection on the Summer Associate Program


Being a Summer Associate is an opportunity to learn, explore and ask questions about career development.  What is it like to practice law?  In what areas of the law am I interested?  Will I enjoy working at a firm?  Will that new suit fit comfortably?

As an eager 2L, I was ill-equipped to do much more than legal research, but I did have a positive attitude, a willingness to work hard and a strong desire to learn.  I walked the office halls and introduced myself to people.  I sought out assignments from every practice group and I took ownership of those assignments no matter how small the impact or foreign the subject matter.  When someone showed an interest in teaching me, I stayed close to them and became a sponge soaking up as much as I could learn.

One of those people who showed an interest in me was Jerry Batty, a seasoned Real Estate attorney, who himself had been a Summer Associate at Hinckley Allen some thirty-five years earlier.  A true mentor, Jerry gave me opportunities and responsibilities, was always available to answer questions, and never made me feel inferior or silly even though I’m sure I asked some ridiculously novice questions!  Even after having practiced in real estate for over thirty-five years, Jerry remained intellectually curious and was genuinely interested in my fresh perspective on a particular law or contract provision.  By the end of my summer at Hinckley Allen, I knew that if they would have me, I would return as a real estate attorney and strive to be like Jerry.

What I did not know at the time, but have learned over the past twelve years, is that being a Summer Associate at Hinckley Allen is an opportunity to practice at a firm that provides further opportunities.  As a young associate at Hinckley Allen, there was no limit on the amount of responsibility I was given, or the level of sophistication of the projects on which I worked.  The partners with whom I worked spent time with me, invested in me, and gave me opportunities. I had direct access to the most senior partners and I learned from the best.

As I progressed as an attorney and the nature of my practice naturally evolved, Hinckley Allen provided opportunities for my professional, business and personal development.  I have written articles for the real estate group on cutting-edge topics impacting our clients.  I am encouraged to take on leadership roles within the real estate group, most recently becoming a Practice Group Co-Chair of the Retail Real Estate Group.  The firm supports any of my thoughtful business development efforts, including involvement with industry organizations, like the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).  The firm invests in public speaking and entrepreneurship workshops, knowledge management and technology and a variety of other forward-thinking programs intended to support us as attorneys practicing at the highest levels.

Hinckley Allen believed in me as a Summer Associate, and in turn, I continue to believe in the firm.  To now be a mentor for the incoming Summer Associate class is a great honor and a great opportunity to pay it forward.  All of us at the firm are excited for you, the incoming Summer Associates, to join our great community and are committed to ensuring that you have a high quality experience and that you are supported as you find your way in our profession.


Please join John and the Firm in welcoming the Hinckley Allen Summer Associates on Twitter at @HinckleyAllen. You can also follow Hinckley Allen on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.