Poyner Spruill LLP welcomed a group of seven accomplished law students to the annual summer associate program. During their six weeks with the firm, these emerging professionals explored a variety of practice areas, developed practical skills, and built strong relationships across the firm.
Read on for reflections from the 2026 summer associates as they share highlights from their time at Poyner Spruill.
Dahvier Alston (Charlotte) recently completed his first year at North Carolina Central University School of Law.
“My experience with Poyner Spruill this summer was incredible. The welcoming and supportive environment made the program especially meaningful, and it was an excellent place to gain real, substantive experience after my first year of law school. I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects with partners, associates, and other summer clerks, including matters involving litigation, construction, local government, employment, immigration, and education. The mentorship, feedback, and overall willingness of attorneys across all offices to be helpful made this experience invaluable.
Poyner Spruill is a full-service law firm that works diligently on complex legal issues while also maintaining a positive work environment and a healthy work-life balance. The summer social events were always enjoyable, and it felt as though everyone truly appreciated having the clerks in the office and getting to know us not only as professionals, but also as people. Overall, I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I could not have imagined a better way to spend the summer. This experience helped me better understand the kind of legal work I enjoy and the type of professional environment in which I hope to continue developing as an attorney!”
Kyle Burleson (Charlotte) is a rising 3L at Wake Forest University School of Law.
“My summer experience at Poyner Spruill has been exceptional. I came in hoping to work on a broad range of legal issues, and the firm’s summer program more than delivered. I had the opportunity to work on projects across several practice areas, including local government, bankruptcy, litigation, and real estate, which provided valuable experience and allowed me to continue to develop my legal skills.
What stood out the most was the level of support from everyone at the firm. The partners, associates, and paralegals were incredibly supportive throughout the summer. They consistently made themselves available to answer my questions, offer guidance, and ensure I was gaining meaningful experience.
Beyond the work itself, the firm’s culture truly stood out. Everyone was incredibly friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to, which made the experience all the more enjoyable. The atmosphere and people made for a great experience, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity at Poyner Spruill this summer!”
Gabriella Griffonetti (Charlotte and Raleigh) is a rising 3L at the University of North Carolina School of Law.
“I had another amazing summer with Poyner Spruill! Returning for a second summer was especially rewarding as it allowed me to build on my relationships and experiences from last year while also taking on new challenges and responsibilities. I was fortunate to work on a range of sophisticated and meaningful projects which helped me to continue to strengthen my legal skills and gave me a taste of what practice looks like.
The caliber of work entrusted to summer associates reflects the firm’s commitment to providing a truly meaningful and engaging summer experience. From the very beginning, I felt like my contributions mattered and that I played a substantial role in the matters I worked on. Beyond my assignments, I also gained valuable hands-on exposure to practice, including attending a deposition and oral argument, and visiting the firm’s offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Rocky Mount, which provided a broad perspective on the firm’s work and culture across the state.
What continues to set Poyner Spruill apart are its people. I am consistently impressed by the intelligence, professionalism, and genuine kindness of everyone at the firm. The attorneys are approachable, welcoming, and generous with their time, feedback, and mentorship. The networking and social events were another highlight of the summer, providing opportunities to connect with attorneys across different practice areas and create fun memories with fellow summer associates and firm members. I could not be more grateful for each connection I have made at Poyner Spruill and for the support I have received both personally and professionally. This summer has been an invaluable experience, and I am so grateful for all the growth and learning it has given me!”
Katie Schoulda (Raleigh) is a rising 3L at the University of North Carolina School of Law.
“I have had a wonderful experience working at Poyner Spruill this summer. The firm has given me the opportunity to work with top attorneys in litigation, employment, and financial services. While working in these various practice areas, I have received impactful mentorship from both partners and associates. These mentors have given advice on strategy, client service, and how to navigate life as a practicing attorney. The attorneys at Poyner Spruill emphasize that summer associates are not merely valued for the work that they provide, but for who they are as human beings.
Over the course of the summer, the summer associates were given the opportunity to explore the firm’s various offices, including those in Charlotte and Rocky Mount. These trips allowed us to learn from experienced attorneys across the state and take in the beautiful scenery. Whether we were traveling or staying in the Raleigh office, the weeks were filled with fun social events and bonding experiences.
Through working at Poyner Spruill, I have developed a renewed sense of confidence and excitement about my future legal practice. I am so grateful for the opportunities that Poyner Spruill has given me and am thankful for the friends I have made along the way.”
Lilliana Solovay (Raleigh) is a rising 3L at the University of North Carolina School of Law.
“I had an exceptional summer at Poyner Spruill. The firm made a deliberate effort to provide hands-on experience through projects that aligned with my interests, allowing me to attend hearings, depositions, and even an oral argument before the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Throughout the summer, the attorneys offered invaluable mentorship and support, fostering both my professional and personal growth.
The firm’s culture is one of collaboration and a genuine passion for the practice of law. The attorneys demonstrate an impressive level of dedication and pride in their work, and they are amongst the most knowledgeable and talented professionals I have had the privilege to work with.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from such wonderful individuals, and I am especially appreciative of Matt Weiner, Tia Overway, and Amy Clay, each of whom invested significant time and effort to ensure I had a meaningful and rewarding experience this summer.”
Diya Patel (Charlotte & Raleigh) is a rising 3L at the University of North Carolina School of Law.
“My second summer at Poyner Spruill has been very enriching. I was able to get significant experience with all the practice areas, including the one I hope to work in, which is particularly hard experience to gain at the student level. All the attorneys have been very helpful in taking the time to explain the projects to us and inviting us to gain more experience on a wide range of matters.
In addition, the social events were incredibly fun and exciting; they demonstrate the welcoming and enjoyable community Poyner Spruill has created at their firm. I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow here!”
Krish Patel (Raleigh) recently completed his first year at Campbell University School of Law.
“This summer at Poyner Spruill has been one of the most formative experiences of my legal journey so far. The variety of assignments I worked on gave me real insight into how different areas of law operate in practice, and the opportunity to collaborate with attorneys across offices made the experience feel much bigger than I expected it to be. My goal going into the summer was to get a better picture of which practice area I am interested in, and I can confidently say I achieved that. A lot of that clarity came from my mentors, Todd Bowyer and Colin McGrath, who were consistently generous with their time and made me feel welcome at every turn.
Even beyond the day-to-day work, the summer program was thoughtfully put together. Each event had its own character and created a natural opportunity to get to know attorneys outside the office. The escape room was a personal favorite because solving puzzles together under pressure brought everyone closer in a way that a lunch or dinner might not have. Although the six weeks passed quickly, I am genuinely grateful for every opportunity and for every person I had the chance to work with this summer.”
