Third-year Hofstra Law student Nnenna Onwuchekwa has worked as a summer associate for Cullen and Dykman LLP throughout her law school career. She first joined the firm in 2022 and, following graduation, Nnenna will return to Cullen and Dykman as a First-Year Associate in their Uniondale office. We sat down with her to learn about her experience and what she has learned along the way.
What kind of skills have you learned while participating in the program?
The analytical and critical thinking skills I’ve developed in class have been essential in my work at the firm. Having a doctrinal understanding of the law from Hofstra allows me to contribute what I’ve learned to meet my supervising attorneys’ objectives. The coursework I have taken at the Law School, specifically civil procedure, legal writing, business transactions, and contracts law, has allowed me to apply directly to the tasks and projects I’ve worked on during the program.
While at Cullen and Dykman, I also significantly refined my legal research and writing skills, particularly in drafting clear and persuasive legal documents. I’ve learned to analyze complex legal issues and develop strategic approaches to problem-solving. My communication skills have improved, especially in conveying complex legal concepts understandably. In addition, I’ve adapted to the dynamic and fast-paced nature of legal work. These skills are crucial for my development as a competent and confident future lawyer.
What kind of networking experiences have you participated in during the program?
As summer associates, we’re provided numerous networking opportunities, including firm-wide events, lunches with partners and associates, and summer outings. These experiences have allowed me to build relationships with multiple attorneys on a professional level and see them as colleagues and friends. This experience has allowed me to see the different paths many have taken in their career. As someone who was a business owner before beginning my law career, I’ve had many relatable moments from getting to know the attorneys better.
During this program, I’ve also had the opportunity to connect with alumni, from associates to partners. That is one of the things that I love about being here because there are many Hofstra Law lawyers who were once in my shoes. They have provided me with advice on what they believe was beneficial to their law careers. They have suggested sets of classes I should take to gain a deeper understanding of what my practice areas of interest entail.
What’s been the most memorable part of the program for you?
One of the standout moments for me in this program has been seeing my work directly contribute to an attorney’s success in winning a case or motion. Knowing that my efforts have had a tangible impact has been rewarding. Additionally, knowing that my work helps alleviate some of the attorneys’ workload has been gratifying. Seeing them place their confidence in my abilities, allowing me to take on significant tasks, and witnessing those tasks achieve their intended results has been a rewarding experience.
What advice do you have for students to get the most from experiential learning?
My advice to fellow students is to embrace every moment of their experiential learning opportunities fully. Approach each task with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from mentors and colleagues; these interactions are invaluable for your growth. Reflect on your experiences regularly to understand your progress and areas for improvement. By staying proactive, curious, and open-minded, you can maximize the benefits of your experiential learning and set a strong foundation for your future career. Lastly, be yourself. Wherever you work during the summer and post-grad, they chose you for a reason. If you dull your shine, everyone misses out on experiencing it.
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