Poyner Spruill LLP welcomed seven summer associates to its annual summer program on May 11, 2026. Designed to provide hands-on experience, the six-week program offers law students the opportunity to work alongside attorneys. Throughout the summer, associates will gain practical exposure across multiple practice areas and participate in a variety of sessions that offer a closer look at both the practice of law and firm operations.
Learn more about each of the firm’s summer associates below.
Dahvier Alston (Charlotte) recently completed his first year at North Carolina Central University School of Law.
Dahvier was a finalist in North Carolina Central University School of Law’s Dean Mary Wright Opening Statement Competition. Prior to attending law school, he worked as an IT consultant supporting the U.S. Department of State. Dahvier earned his undergraduate degree from Clemson University, where he founded and led the Council for the Advancement of Multicultural Programs.
Kyle Burleson (Charlotte) is a rising 3L at Wake Forest University School of Law.
At Wake Forest University School of Law, Kyle served as the Vice President of the Latino Law Student Association and participated in both the Moot Court Competition and Transactional Law Competition. After earning his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University, Kyle worked in the finance industry as a client onboarding associate for Vanguard and an index analyst for FTSE Russell.
Gabriella Griffonetti (Charlotte and Raleigh) is a rising 3L at the University of North Carolina School of Law, returning to the firm for her second year as a summer associate.
Gabriella serves as Comments Editor for the North Carolina Law Review and is an appellate advocacy team member for the Holderness Moot Court. In addition, Gabriella dedicates considerable time to volunteering on pro bono projects. She is the Special Trips Coordinator for the Pro Bono Board and the Treasurer and Pro Bono Coordinator for Carolina Law First-Generation Professionals.
Katie Schoulda (Raleigh) is a rising 3L at the University of North Carolina School of Law.
Katie served on the staff of the North Carolina Civil Rights Law Review and is the President of the Broun National Trial Team. She is a three-time recipient of the Best Advocate Award for the Kilpatrick Townsend Mock Trial Competition. Before attending law school, Katie worked as a business analyst providing Fortune 500 clients with strategic marketing recommendations based on synthesized data.
Lilliana Solovay (Raleigh) is a rising 3L at the University of North Carolina School of Law.
Lilliana is active in her school community, serving as the Director of Mentorship and Development for Women in Law and as the Director of Programming for Law Students Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. She also devotes a significant portion of her time to pro bono work. Lilliana worked as an OPS paralegal specialist before attending law school.
Diya Patel (Charlotte & Raleigh) is returning to Poyner Spruill as a second-year summer associate. She is a rising 3L at the University of North Carolina School of Law.
Diya served as President for the Carolina Health Law Organization and Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Women in Law. In addition, she is on the Journal of Law and Technology and will serve as a Notes Editor for the upcoming year. While obtaining her undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Diya worked as a Resident Advisor.
Krish Patel (Raleigh) recently completed his first year at Campbell University School of Law.
Outside of his studies, Krish is a member of the Capital Case Assistance Project and volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. After earning his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Krish worked in the marketing field, executing strategic campaigns to enhance brand awareness and drive customer engagement.
