Summer 2005
Meet Our 2005 Summer Associates
The members of this year's class are from left to right: front row, Juliana Chereji, Christine Hiler, Laila Jadelrab, Lara Carney, Emily Abbott, Kawezya Hutchinson, Yolanda Manzone; back row, Renju Jacob, Christopher Sanchez.
To learn more about the summer associates, including their reasons for selecting Hanson Bridgett as the place to spend the summer of 2005, click on the name links above or scroll down to see the entire class.
Emily Abbott
University of Southern California Law School (J.D. Candidate, May 2006); University of California, Berkeley (B.A., 2002)
During my interview with Hanson Bridgett's Sacramento office, I was impressed with the relationship I observed between the senior attorneys and their newest associate: it was genial, genuine, and they joked with one another. I immediately liked this firm.
The opportunity to work for Hanson Bridgett, focusing mostly on environmental law, has been rewarding not only because the work is challenging and each assignment teaches a new lesson about the more subtle or practical aspects of law not touched on in law school. Reward also comes from working in a collegial environment where there is a camaraderie and respect between the attorneys and staff. I appreciate the firm for its professionalism and high standards of practice, but I have enjoyed working for the firm because of that genial and genuine atmosphere I first encountered during my interview.
Each attorney I have spoken with has expressed the view that law is not practiced in a vacuum just researching cases and statutes. I have been encouraged to ask questions and engage in dialogue about difficult or confusing issues. I have also met with clients and attended mediation conferences, and learned the fundamentals of trial presentations through the firm's training program. In all, I have been finding out what it actually means to be a lawyer.
Coming from USC Law School, there were a few concerns about my athletic allegiances, but not to worry - I'm a Cal fan all the way. Go Bears! Hopefully my golf game will improve enough so that by the time I pass the bar, I will be playing golf like a full-fledged lawyer. I also enjoy tennis, hot Sacramento weather, and a good book (alternating between fiction and non-fiction).
Lara Carney
Tulane University Law School (J.D. Candidate, May 2006); Tulane University School of Public Health (Masters Candidate, May 2006); Colgate University (B.A., 1999, magna cum laude)
I am originally from the Bay Area, but went to New York for undergrad and then moved to New Orleans to pursue a JD/MPH dual-degree. Having been away from California for almost 10 years, I knew it was time to come home. I also knew that I wanted to practice healthcare law. Healthcare has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I have worked in the field in various ways, including as a hospital candy-striper during high school, as a pharmaceutical advertising executive after college, and as a summer associate last year for a firm that represented HMOs. Realizing my passion for both the Bay Area and healthcare law, I immediately narrowed my search to SF firms with stellar reputations in this practice area.
Hanson Bridgett's reputation in both traditional healthcare law and the emerging field of senior housing and care is unsurpassed. The firm has represented over 20 hospitals, 5 dozen physician groups, and hundreds of senior living companies. Many of the attorneys have been at the firm, and practicing healthcare law, for 20 or 30 years. The breadth of experience and expertise is astounding. During my interview, I met people across the firm and discovered that the attorneys at Hanson Bridgett are just as friendly as they are talented. I left the firm practically gushing about how thankful I was to have been invited to interview and hoping I would get an offer. My experience this summer has only solidified everything I know and love about this firm. It really feels like a place I could spend my entire career.
In my spare time I enjoy snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, playing volleyball, riding horses, and traveling.
Juliana Chereji
Stanford University (J.D. Candidate, 2007); Cornell University (B.A. 2004)
Starting work at a law firm after my first year of law school was a daunting experience. However, prior to starting the summer program, I knew that working at Hanson Bridgett would be a unique and rewarding experience. I am originally from California and knew that I wanted to work in a firm that was located in the Bay Area. I chose Hanson Bridgett not only for its wonderful location, but also for its commitment to diversity, range of practice areas and exceptional work environment.
As a summer associate I have received an array of assignments which have exposed me to nearly every practice area in the firm. Assigning attorneys, summer mentors and the entire staff at Hanson Bridgett have helped me with every question and concern I have had, making the transition from law school to work very enjoyable and rewarding. In my few weeks here, I have gained a great deal of knowledge and work experience that will help with my coming years in law school and my future as a lawyer.
Christine Hiler
University of San Francisco School of Law (J.D. Candidate, 2006); University of Southern California (B.S., 2003)
As a San Francisco native, Hanson Bridgett immediately stood out to me during the interview process because of its strong ties to the San Francisco community. I was further intrigued by the size of the firm and wide range of practice areas. Through talking to other students and attorneys, I learned of Hanson Bridgett's reputation for having excellent attorneys, a supportive work environment, and a great attorney development program.
After interviewing with a variety of firms during the fall recruiting process, I knew that I wanted to work at Hanson Bridgett. All of the attorneys that I met with were personable and seemed to genuinely love working there. In my interview I was surprised to learn how many Hanson Bridgett attorneys actually came through the summer associate program. I was also impressed by the dedication that the attorneys have to the practice of law and to their firm. I wanted to work at a firm that would challenge me in an environment that I was comfortable working in and was thrilled to get an offer for the summer.
My summer at Hanson Bridgett has only exceeded my expectations. I have received various types of assignments from nearly every practice area. All of the attorneys have been incredibly open, helpful, and available to answer all my questions about assignments and the firm in general. Everyone, from staff members to attorneys, takes the time to stop by and see how my summer is going. This summer has shown me that not only does Hanson Bridgett have an exceptional reputation for the legal work they do, but its environment and collegiality is unrivaled.
During my free time, I love playing and watching all sports and traveling.
Kawezya Hutchinson
University of California, Berkeley School of Law, Boalt Hall (J.D.
Candidate, 2006); University of Oregon (B.S., Journalism, 2003)
My first experience with Hanson Bridgett was a letter following my acceptance to Berkeley for law school stating that I was a recipient of the firm's Gerald D. Marcus fellowship. Soon after I received the letter and packed my bags to leave Oregon for the Bay Area, Hanson Bridgett became more than an anonymous letter, but a moving support in my legal education.
The decision to interview with Hanson Bridgett and eventually spend my summer here was based on the action that I witnessed the first day I met Gerald Marcus at a scholarship luncheon at Boalt. This action was more than a scholarship, because that was only one reflection of the firm's deep commitment to the community that manifests itself in so many different ways. That commitment showed me what was behind the awards Hanson Bridgett has received for diversity, quality of life, and pro bono work. Many of those who are active in the Boalt community know Hanson Bridgett well, because the firm has taken every opportunity to support students and programming in a capacity that has stood out in a way that few other firms can claim.
I have found that the attorneys who I met when I began my law school career are unique, but have much in common with attorneys and staff that can be found throughout the firm: a commitment to the welfare of California, a common desire and responsibility to provide the highest quality of work, with a down to earth approach to life and a genuine approach to one another. It is so refreshing to work with people who I also enjoy spending time with.
My summer experience has allowed me to gain more exposure to both the work environment and several areas of the law. I have not been disappointed. The content of my work here has been diverse enough that I feel I will be able to make an informed final decision as to which area of law I want to practice. In addition, it has been wonderful to meet other summer associates and to share such amazing opportunities with them while taking part in real work that has a real impact on the cases that we are involved in. My favorite part of the summer has been the chance to build what I foresee to be lasting relationships with people who I can be proud to call mentors, colleagues, and friends.
Renju Jacob
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D. Candidate, December 2005); University of California, Berkeley (B.A., 2001)
Before and during law school, I worked as an auditor for the State of California. While the law provided structure to reach audit conclusions and identify problems, it frustrated me that I could not actively use the law to reach solutions. Because Hanson Bridgett's structure, culture, and philosophy provide its clients with unique legal solutions, I made the choice to join the Hanson Bridgett team.
Hanson Bridgett offers various practice areas that allow the firm to provide a wide array of legal solutions to its clients. However, Hanson Bridgett is unique in that its size provides a structure for attorneys of different practice groups to combine their varied skills and experiences to reach innovative solutions. Moreover, the firm's commitment to diversity and to its employees also place Hanson Bridgett in a position to offer a unique level of service that no other law firm can.
I am truly enjoying my summer experience here at Hanson Bridgett, working in Sacramento. The firm has genuine interest in their summer associates and developing their careers. Hanson Bridgett has developed a summer associate program that provides opportunities to attain a sense of the firm culture, and provides its summer associates with a number of challenging and interesting assignments. So far, I have worked with the Labor and Employment, Intellectual Property, Health Care, Public Agency and Litigation Sections and I still have half of my summer left to complete! Assigning attorneys provide detailed feedback after reviewing my assignments, which have been extremely helpful in contributing to my growth as a future attorney.
Laila Jadelrab
University of California, Hastings College of the Law (J.D. Candidate, 2006); University of California, Berkeley (B.S., 2002)
During the on campus interview process last fall I quickly became attracted to Hanson Bridgett's high caliber of attorneys, familial culture, and wide variety of practice areas. The firm's collegial work environment and commitment to community service set it apart from the rest in my eyes. Interested in learning more about different practice areas, I was drawn to Hanson Bridgett because I wanted the opportunity to explore different areas of the law and work on a variety of challenging projects.
My experience at the firm this summer has been amazing. I am constantly working on interesting, engaging assignments and have had the chance to work in many different areas including construction litigation, public agency, health care, and bankruptcy. I have met great people and made wonderful friends. In short, I feel very lucky to be able to say that at Hanson Bridgett, I truly look forward to coming into the office every morning.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, I enjoy writing and have co-written a copyrighted novel which is currently undergoing revision. One of my dreams is to see it published one day. In my free time I like music and singing, getting lost in a good book, biking, and spending time with kids.
Yolanda C. Manzone
University of California, Hastings College of the Law (J.D. Candidate, 2006); University of Colorado, Boulder (B.A., 2001, magna cum laude)
I was first drawn to Hanson Bridgett because of its extraordinary reputation within the community. Hanson Bridgett has a variety of top-notch attorneys in varying legal disciplines committed to professionalism, integrity and community involvement. As a Bay Area native, I was seeking a local firm where my career could flourish. The low attrition rate and supportive environment inspired me to believe that Hanson Bridgett was just that place. Throughout the interview process, I was delighted to find many people who, like myself, strive for an intellectually gratifying career without compromising their personal values. Unique in its diversity of people and interests, I instantly felt right at home. Accepting an offer for a summer associate position at Hanson Bridgett was the easiest and most rewarding decision I have ever made.
One month into the summer program, I am continually impressed with the close-knit feel and collegiality of the firm. Cooperation, respect and dedication seem to be the driving force behind all that transpires here at Hanson Bridgett. Encompassing a wide array of practice areas, Hanson Bridgett offers all the resources of a large firm without feeling impersonal or intimidating.
The summer program is well organized and fun. The summer coordinators take earnest care to ensure that as a summer associate, you are exposed all aspects of firm life. I have enjoyed a wide variety of projects and assignments, keeping me very interested and never bored. Also, an overarching jovial atmosphere has kept me laughing and smiling.
Like so many here at Hanson Bridgett, I have a passion for the outdoors. Rivaled only by my love for the edible art of cooking, I enjoy hiking, camping, skiing and yoga. I feel very fortunate to be able to say, truthfully and without hesitation, that I love it here at Hanson Bridgett!
Chris Sanchez
University of California, Berkeley School of Law, Boat Hall (J.D. Candidate, 2006); University of New Mexico (B.S., 2003)
I interviewed with a range of law firms during Boalt Hall's On Campus Interview Program. I spent a great deal of time trying to find a firm that would provide an interesting, supportive, and challenging environment where I could develop and refine my legal skills. After first visiting the Hanson Bridgett office and meeting some of the attorneys, I was sure that the firm was the best place for me to begin my legal career. Now that I have had the opportunity to work for Hanson Bridgett, I am sure that I couldn't have made a better choice. The attorneys are exceptionally intelligent and genuinely amiable while the work is both varied and intellectually stimulating. Hanson Bridgett does a remarkable job ensuring that its attorneys not only have a consistent stream of interesting work, but also a supportive and friendly environment.
I have lived and worked in a number of different environments over the years, so I can appreciate the great experience Hanson Bridgett has to offer. I grew up in New Mexico working on my family's farm and I have spent time working abroad in a legal setting. I have had the opportunity to attend school at the University of New Mexico and Boalt Hall School of Law and I have enjoyed the time I spent at each. All of my experiences have led me to seek a career in law where I can work on important and exciting issues every day. I enjoy writing and debate and appreciate the opportunity a legal career offers to use those skills in a range of areas where I have the chance to constantly learn something new and challenge myself.
In my spare time I enjoy playing sports and attending all of the sporting events I can find around the Bay Area. I also like to write and cook whenever I have the time.
Non-Discrimination Policy: Hanson Bridgett LLP seeks to ensure a positive and diverse work culture where each person may work and develop professionally to the best of his or her ability free of unlawful discrimination or prejudice. To this end, the firm is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits unlawful discrimination or prejudice of any kind based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, or pregnancy.
