Campbell Law students participate in Ward and Smith’s summer program

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RALEIGH – Three Campbell Law School students are participating in Ward and Smith’s 2025 Summer Associate Program, which runs from May 12 to June 20, gaining practical legal experience from case strategy discussions to writing and research assignments.

Gavin Dacier ‘26, Stephanie Moore ‘26 and Pierce Shipway ‘26 are among the seven law students participating in program that runs through June 20. 

“We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished and enthusiastic group of law students to Ward and Smith,” said Co-Managing Director and Campbell Law alumna Devon Williams ‘12. “Our Summer Associate Program is designed to give participants a true sense of life at our firm. From day one, they’ll be immersed in meaningful work that reflects the collaborative, client-focused culture that defines us. We look forward to supporting their growth and getting to know them as future members of the legal profession.” 

Over several weeks, seven law students gain first-hand exposure to a variety of practice areas while participating in case work, legal research and client matters. “It’s a learning experience designed to jumpstart their legal journeys — and we’re also making time for some fun,” Williams added. 

Part of that fun includes a “Meet the Summer Associate” series published on the law firm’s website, which features spotlights highlighting Dacier, Moore and Shipway.

According to Ward and Smith’s website, the Summer Associate Program is a vital component of the firm’s recruiting and hiring efforts. With the Raleigh office as a home base, summer associates rotate between all five locations to gain exposure to those communities, practice areas and attorneys and their families.

The firm strives to provide summer associates with the tools and resources needed to get the most out of their summer experience. Summer associates gain exposure to the firm’s full range of practice areas so they can make informed decisions about their career paths. Each summer associate is assigned a Summer Associate Mentor, an attorney within the firm who is the “go‑to” person to answer questions about the firm, the community and other “quality of life” issues. The attorney-mentor informs the summer associate of social and cultural events, entertainment and community activities  and volunteer opportunities.

The program provides hands‑on real work assignments on behalf of the firm’s clients in a variety of practice disciplines. Frequent evaluations of work product are provided to assist summer associates in their developmental progress. This evaluation process is done in a consistent, organized manner and each summer associate receives feedback on every completed project.

The Summer Associate team coordinates hands‑on practical experience (HOPEs) opportunities for summer associates. Summer associates are invited to attend court appearances, trials, depositions, mediations, client interviews, deal closings and other events with the firm’s attorneys. Various social activities, in conjunction with HOPE experiences, allow summer associates to become more familiar with the firm’s attorneys and the geographic advantages of each office location.

To apply to the Ward and Smith, P.A. 2026 Summer Associate Program, please register for OCIs through the law school Career Services Office.  

Learn more about the program at this link.

ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW SCHOOL

Since its founding in 1976, Campbell Law has developed lawyers who possess moral conviction, social compassion and professional competence, and who view the law as a calling to serve others. Among its accolades, the school has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as having the nation’s top Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers for having the nation’s best Trial Advocacy Program. Campbell Law boasts more than 5,000 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2026, Campbell Law will celebrate 50 years of graduating legal leaders and 17 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina’s Capital City.