Earlier this year, we introduced Courtney Specht as one of two summer associates joining WilliamsMcCarthy for the summer. Courtney, a Rockford native entering her 3L year at Northern Illinois University College of Law, returned to the firm for a second summer after a strong first experience in 2025. Now, as she heads back to school, we asked her to look back on the summer, share what she learned, and pass along advice to other law students considering the summer associate path.
Looking back on your second summer at WilliamsMcCarthy, what stands out most? Was there a particular project, matter, or moment where something clicked in a way it hadn’t before?
This summer, researching and writing began to click in a way it had not before because I was applying those skills to real clients and actual legal issues. My work on Law Review from the past school year greatly helped in strengthening those skills and made me more confident in my drafting.
Another standout experience was going to court several times and observing a cross-examination. I found it especially engaging to see how the attorneys’ preparation and strategy played out in the courtroom.
You came into this summer wanting more transactional exposure, particularly in real estate. How did that go, and how has the experience shaped how you’re thinking about your practice after graduation?
One of the most valuable experiences was attending a client meeting after reviewing a real estate contract. I enjoyed hearing the client’s perspective and watching the discussion between the attorney and the client. It gave me a better understanding of the work beyond simply reading or drafting the agreement. The experience made me more open to transactional work and showed me the value of having experience in both litigation and transactional matters as I begin my practice.
What is something you can do now that you couldn’t do at the end of last summer? How has your second summer associate experience built on the first?
My research, citation, and writing skills have improved significantly since last summer. I am more confident approaching an assignment, identifying the relevant issues, and applying the law to a client’s circumstances. I was also challenged with more complex assignments this summer, which I appreciated because they pushed me to work through unfamiliar areas of law and learn from them.
Who at the firm did you learn the most from this summer, and what did they teach you?
I greatly enjoyed working with everyone at the firm. Attorney Daniel Huntley was especially helpful in pushing me to think beyond the immediate assignment and understand the underlying concepts, particularly in transactional matters. He put a great deal of effort into making sure I was learning from the work rather than simply completing it.
I also enjoyed going to court with Attorney John Holevas and seeing his experience and admirable skills play out in real time. I received several challenging, fun, and intriguing assignments from other partners that I enjoyed and that exposed me to different areas of the law. Overall, I have felt comfortable working with everyone at the firm and have valued both the assignments and conversations I have had throughout the summer with everybody.
What was the most useful piece of feedback you received this summer, and how has it changed the way you approach your work?
The most useful lesson was that it never hurts to review your work several times and seek feedback and constructive criticism, which is essential for growth. There is always someone at the firm willing to help, making asking questions an important part of learning and producing better work.
Having now spent two summers with the firm, what has kept you coming back, and what would you tell a law student who is weighing where to apply?
WilliamsMcCarthy is a highly respected firm in the Rockford community, but what has kept me coming back is the people. Everyone has been extremely kind and welcoming, and I have built meaningful relationships with people I respect and admire. It is somewhere I can see myself long term.
I would tell a law student to be open to every assignment, ask questions, and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from attorneys across a variety of practice areas.
As you head into your 3L year and start thinking seriously about life after law school, what has your time at WilliamsMcCarthy provided you?
My time with WilliamsMcCarthy has reaffirmed my decision to become an attorney and given me a clearer understanding of what practicing law looks like day to day. Growing up in the area has also made the experience especially meaningful because Rockford feels like home, and I feel connected to the people and community. That connection, along with the relationships I have developed at the firm, has helped me picture building my future here.
We wish Courtney the best as she begins her 3L year at Northern Illinois University College of Law, and we look forward to watching where her career takes her next.
