Stradley Ronon kicked off its summer associate program on May 30, welcoming to the firm 11 law students based in Philadelphia, Chicago, New York and Washington, DC, including the 2023 recipient of Stradley’s Diversity Fellowship, Avery Marz. View the press release here.
LETY COVARRUBIAS
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Chicago Office
What inspired you to want to become a lawyer?
I was working in the behavioral health department of my county’s juvenile justice center when it all started. In this role, I assisted psychiatrists and psychologists in implementing court-mandated treatment plans and worked in tandem with each child’s lawyer. I was curious about what the lawyers did for the kids on my caseload, so I figured if you can’t beat them, join them!
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Stop being in a hurry to move on to the next big thing. Instead, appreciate where you are because you’ve come so far.
What impactful judge or lawyer inspires you?
Judge Russ Ridgway. He has since retired, but he used to hear truancy cases in my home county, and he never made a decision without getting the full story. For example, some of the kids were skipping school so they could work and help pay the bills, and Judge Ridgway always took that into account. He would help figure out a solution instead of putting further financial stress on families by fining the parents. I know that his grace and guidance have led to many kids having brighter futures. Some of them even went on to law school!
What practice area would you like to focus on, and why?
I would like to focus on investment management (IM). I went into law school completely unaware of the different practice areas, and I had many preconceived notions that turned out to be quite wrong. With the help of the Chicago office attorneys, I was able to really see what regulatory practice was like, and I’d love to continue to learn from them. While this isn’t a problem at Stradley, IM also tends to be underrepresented by people of color or those with untraditional paths to law school, so I’d love to help change that!
What attracted you to Stradley when making a decision on where to spend your summer?
I have already been working with Stradley for almost two years on the administrative side, so I have a slightly different perspective. The people here at the firm have truly been the driving force in choosing to continue with Stradley. From my Chicago attorneys and LAAs welcoming me with open arms and never doubting my abilities even though I had no prior law firm experience to my supervisor Laura Riley who ALWAYS has my best interest in mind and truly spearheads any issues I have, to partner and co-hiring chair, Jamie Gershkow, who never hesitates to set aside time out of her busy schedule to talk about a future at Stradley. I am so incredibly grateful to everyone at this firm who has given me opportunities to grow, learn and have fun while doing it.
NICHOLAS (NICK) D’ADDIO
The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
Washington, DC, Office
What inspired you to want to become a lawyer?
Although they never specifically pushed me toward a career in law, my literature teachers in high school and college highlighted my analytical writing skills, which led me to law school. They helped me discover how much I enjoy building creative, well-supported arguments. In hindsight, this makes sense—every legal case, at its core, is a story with distinct characters and a narrative arc and can be treated as such.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
A role model taught me to focus on the things I can control and to let the rest go.
What impactful judge or lawyer inspires you?
Because we read cases day in and day out, I really appreciate when judicial opinions are both instructive and entertaining. So, I’ve learned a lot from the opinions of Justice Benjamin Cardozo. I never thought that the most seminal Supreme Court decisions could read like poetry, but Cardozo has proven me wrong. He inspires me to be both creatively and technically articulate in my writing.
What practice area would you like to focus on, and why?
I’d like to focus on litigation, as I’m eager to test and improve my writing and oral advocacy skills. Also, I’m excited by the challenge that litigators face. They have to be the expert of the moment and command cases from start to finish.
What attracted you to Stradley when making a decision on where to spend your summer?
When I was interviewing with firms, I noticed that Stradley had a lot of “lifers.” After speaking with several attorneys, it seems like a healthy work culture and a strong sense of community make Stradley a place that people are excited to come back to every Monday morning. That is definitely something I want to be a part of.
CLAIRE DICIUCCIO
Brooklyn Law School
Philadelphia/New York Office
What inspired you to want to become a lawyer?
A close family friend inspired me to become a lawyer. Growing up, I admired her professionalism, agency and warmness, and I knew I wanted to emulate those qualities in my own career as a lawyer.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Dream big and surround yourself with those who will support and challenge you.
What impactful judge or lawyer inspires you?
The late Judge Learned Hand once said, “Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.…” As a future lawyer, I spend much of my time reading the Constitution, statutes, regulations, case law and the like to learn what the law says. Judge Learned Hand’s quote is a reminder that although these sources of law are undoubtedly important, true liberty lies within the hearts of people and, to that end, requires our support and understanding of each other’s liberty.
What practice area would you like to focus on, and why?
Business and investment management. Financial literacy is a skill that can be daunting and inaccessible at times, yet it has a significant impact on individuals. I want to be a lawyer who bridges that gap, making finance more understandable.
What attracted you to Stradley when making a decision on where to spend your summer?
Everyone I’ve met thus far at Stradley has been so bright and welcoming. My interviewers were genuinely interested in getting to know me and made me feel comfortable throughout an interview process that is inevitably nerve-wracking. I can’t wait to learn from all the incredible people at the firm this summer.
JENNIFER (JEN) HANCE
Temple University, Beasley School of Law
Philadelphia Office
What inspired you to want to become a lawyer?
When I worked as a legal assistant, I enjoyed learning something new every day from the wide variety of cases that I worked on. I like the different opportunities and practice areas that are available to practicing lawyers. I also think that being a lawyer is a great fit with my personality because there’s a lot of reading, writing and problem-solving, all of which I love.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Climbing a mountain doesn’t end at the summit.” I like this because it reminds me to keep looking ahead and to remember that completing a goal is a checkpoint and cause for celebration, but not an opportunity to stop trying.
What impactful judge or lawyer inspires you?
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This is probably a popular answer, but there’s a reason! Her work at the ACLU for gender equality changed the legal landscape for American women, and she used creative arguments to bring skeptics around to her position. Plus, she maintained her personal hobbies (opera!) and a private life while being one of the most prominent jurists of our generation.
What practice area would you like to focus on, and why?
Litigation or regulatory work. I’m specifically interested in antitrust or securities because both areas translate broad economic policy into very specific, case-by-case applications.
What attracted you to Stradley when making a decision on where to spend your summer?
I felt like Stradley has a genuine commitment to people, longevity and consistency. I also love that the firm has a deep connection to Philly – because I love Philly too!!
AVERY MARZ
Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Philadelphia Office
What inspired you to want to become a lawyer?
As an avid non-fiction reader, I was inspired by the community of advocates that approach the act of lawyering as a form of storytelling. By asking, “What is the narrative?” lawyers can develop an impactful story that advocates for and aligns with a client’s goals and objectives.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
When you learn, teach. When you get, give.
What impactful judge or lawyer inspires you?
I am inspired by Professor Doris Wendy Greene, the first tenured African American woman on the Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law faculty. Professor Greene is one of the world’s leading legal experts on natural hair discrimination and has increased awareness about how constructions of identity inform the law.
What practice area would you like to focus on, and why?
I want to focus on business law because it offers the opportunity to resolve complex disputes and implement anti-discriminatory safeguards. In addition, I am motivated by the rapidly evolving nature of businesses and look forward to engaging in analytical thinking and problem-solving at a high level.
What attracted you to Stradley when making a decision on where to spend your summer?
It was clear from my first conversation with the hiring committee at Stradley that the firm was committed to an intersectional approach to diversity and inclusion. In addition, I was certain that the mentorship opportunities with the distinguished attorneys at the firm would provide me with invaluable skills and knowledge.
MARCUS MCNEAL
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Chicago Office
What inspired you to want to become a lawyer?
Initially, my interest in law school was piqued when I took a business and international business law class during undergrad. However, when the previous administration instituted its immigration ban in its early days, and lawyers were mobilizing to the airports to help, I was inspired to earnestly pursue the law.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
If you do not see any opportunities, create your own.
What impactful judge or lawyer inspires you?
Thurgood Marshall and Constance Baker Motley.
What practice area would you like to focus on, and why?
Investment management. Prior to law school, I worked in the investment management industry. So I am interested to learn more about the legal side of the industry.
What attracted you to Stradley when making a decision on where to spend your summer?
The people in the Chicago office were incredible during the interview process, and you could tell they enjoyed their work. Also, it was clear that I would be getting real hands-on experiences through the summer with substantive work assignments.
JOCELYN NEAR
The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
Washington, DC, Office
What inspired you to want to become a lawyer?
During undergrad, I took a course titled “Justice and Peace.” The course highlighted various injustices in the world and different attempts and methods to create peace throughout history. The class furthered my understanding of injustices in the world and opened my eyes to the role lawyers can play in righting such injustices.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to learn something new every day and to stay eager to continue learning. When you are eager to learn, the opportunities truly will be endless.
What impactful judge or lawyer inspires you?
I am inspired by Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan. I had the opportunity to hear Justice Kagan speak and was inspired by her journey from the first female Dean of Harvard Law School to Solicitor General and eventually to Supreme Court Justice. Additionally, I strive to be as clear, concise, and convincing as Justice Kagan is in her opinions. To be half the writer she is would be a great achievement!
What practice area would you like to focus on, and why?
I would like to focus on Investment Management. My interest in finance and investments began with the financial crisis and grew through my previous roles here at Stradley and my involvement in the Securities Law Program at Catholic University. As I stated above, the best advice I have ever been given is to learn something new every day, and in the investment management practice, there is always something new to learn.
What attracted you to Stradley when making a decision on where to spend your summer?
I have worked at Stradley for the last seven years in various roles, including as a summer associate in 2022. During that time, I have met many great members of the Stradley community, who have inspired me to continue my education and development in investment management. Continuing my journey with my great colleagues, whom I am already privileged to work with every day is truly a dream come true!
SANJANA PAI
Emory University School of Law
Philadelphia Office
What inspired you to want to become a lawyer?
I was raised in an Indian community of strong and driven women who pursued various fields of law. They instilled a sense of justice and empowerment within me, which made me want to pursue law as well.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“You didn’t get this far to get this far” is a motto that always motivates me. It always reminds me of my personal, academic and professional goals. It pushes me to work harder towards achieving them because my journey to become the best version of myself is not yet over.
What impactful judge or lawyer inspires you?
Stacey Abrams. As an Atlanta resident with a research background in voting rights, I am inspired by Abrams’ work in Georgia to promote greater voter participation, ensure accuracy within voting records and generally advance equity in the South. Her commitment to using the law to address issues of inequality and discrimination and advocating for voting rights for historically disenfranchised communities has been very inspiring to me.
What practice area would you like to focus on, and why?
I am interested in focusing my practice on complex litigation, intellectual property and data privacy. I find these areas of law to be intellectually challenging and highly dynamic. I enjoy the opportunity to work on complex cases that require creative problem-solving and strategic thinking. Further, I am drawn to the fast-paced and constantly evolving nature of these fields, which allows me to stay engaged and continuously learn.
What attracted you to Stradley when making a decision on where to spend your summer?
I am drawn to Stradley Ronon due to its people-oriented culture, great mentorship opportunities, as well as a wide variety of legal practices that I can learn from.
TESSA LEWIS POLSKY
Temple University, Beasley School of Law
Philadelphia Office
What inspired you to want to become a lawyer?
I ultimately want to have a career where I can help people and feel the tangible impact of my work. Lawyers help by shining a light when clients feel in the dark about what to expect from the legal system. Although this doesn’t directly translate into securing the client’s desired outcome, I find value in helping people navigate complex problems and systems during what can otherwise be a stressful experience.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Your playing small does not serve the world.”
What impactful judge or lawyer inspires you?
As a new mom, I take inspiration from the many other working moms who have shown me the ropes of balancing life with law school.
What practice area would you like to focus on, and why?
Litigation. After advocating for clients in the courtroom as part of my law school clinical experience, I want to gain more insight into the strategic and decision-making processes involved in preparing clients for litigation.
What attracted you to Stradley when making a decision on where to spend your summer?
I loved that during my first interview, I spoke with a partner who also became a mom during law school. This connection served as a preview of the ways in which I could relate with each person I met at Stradley Ronon as a professional, but more importantly, as a person. I saw the potential for a lifelong career, as evidenced by the many summer associate program alumni who have chosen to stay at Stradley Ronon.
ALEXANDRA (ALEX) REILLY
American University Washington College of Law
Washington, DC, Office
What inspired you to want to become a lawyer?
I am passionate about solving complex problems to help others achieve their goals. This passion inspired me to study law – a tool to solve the diverse issues that individuals and businesses face.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The manager at one of my very first jobs in high school told me, “How you do something is just as important as what you do.” I use this advice to remind myself to complete every task with intention and integrity, no matter how small.
What impactful judge or lawyer inspires you?
This year I had the opportunity to partake in a clinic program with the former Chief Attorney of the Parole Division at the Public Defender Service in D.C. I was inspired by her unwavering commitment to her clients and ability to find creative solutions to challenging legal and social issues.
What practice area would you like to focus on, and why?
Prior to Stradley Ronon, I worked full-time as a paralegal in the securities space and truly enjoyed the work that I was exposed to. This summer, I would like to focus on both corporate & securities and investment management. Stradley has unique capabilities with respect to both services, and I look forward to using my summer to learn more about both areas of law.
What attracted you to Stradley when making a decision on where to spend your summer?
I was initially attracted to Stradley due to the firm’s strength in investment management and the diverse experience Stradley’s practitioners bring to the firm. Meeting the group during the interview process and learning more about the firm’s commitment to mentorship confirmed that Stradley would be the best place to spend my summer.
TIMOTHY (TIM) WALTER
Rutgers University Law School
Philadelphia Office
What inspired you to want to become a lawyer?
A class I took during undergrad, “Law, Ethics, and Society,” really got me thinking about law school and the possibility of becoming a lawyer. As a first-generation law student, no one in my family had ever pushed me to go to law school or even brought up the possibility. This class during undergrad was the first class I was sincerely interested in, and I felt like I needed to explore that initial gut feeling.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Control what you can control.” There are always going to be tough times when things are just out of our control. Instead of stressing out or complaining, I try my best to control what I can, and things will work out.
What impactful judge or lawyer inspires you?
Lancaster County President Judge David Ashworth. Judge Ashworth oversees Lancaster County’s Drug Court and teaches an undergraduate class at Franklin and Marshall. I took Judge Ashworth’s class, and he truly is a selfless individual who has devoted his life to helping individuals who struggle with mental health and addiction.
What practice area would you like to focus on, and why?
I would like to focus on investment management. Currently, I do not know much about the practice area, but I know it is a complex and evolving area of the law, and I would love the opportunity to be challenged, work on complex matters and learn from some of the best lawyers in the country.
What attracted you to Stradley when making a decision on where to spend your summer?
Stradley Ronon’s positive reputation attracted me the most. For me, I wanted to be at a place where I could see myself staying for my entire career. I did not want to be at a place that looked at me as just a number, but rather a place that cared about my development as a young lawyer and as a person. When I saw the number of partners that began their careers as summer associates at the firm, that was all I needed to see. It was a no-brainer.