Ben is a rising 3L at the University of Houston Law Center, where he sits on the board of the Houston Law Review. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Psychology with honors. He returns to SHJ after completing the firm’s summer law internship program in 2021.

When did you become interested in law?

For the first three years of college, I was confident I wanted to do something with my Psychology degree. Then a friend suggested I take a civil liberties class that the University of Texas School of Law was offering for undergrads. I immediately fell in love with the class—which was taught using the same Socratic method used in 1L courses—and that drove me to apply to law school.

What was your experience last summer like? Why did you decide to come back to the firm?

I had a very unique experience compared to most of my peers because SHJ was already back in the office last summer. I was able to meet, work, and socialize with the firm’s lawyers, who all welcomed me with open arms. It’s an incredibly collegial environment.

During my internship, I worked on several smaller commercial litigation matters and helped senior counsel Brandon Winchester draft thought leadership articles relating to unsettled, cutting-edge legal questions (one of which got published on JD Supra). Through this work, I improved my legal research and writing skills; I conducted a significant amount of Westlaw and internet research about the relevant issues to find applicable cases and authorities.

I decided to return to SHJ as a summer associate because I find commercial litigation to be intellectually challenging and interesting, and this firm is an ideal place for a beginning lawyer to start learning the necessary trial skills by working with experienced, successful trial lawyers.

What’s one thing you hope to get out of your time at SHJ?

I’m hoping to get thrown into whatever complex litigation the firm is handling to gain real-world experience, whether that’s drafting a motion for summary judgment or being able to assist in depositions, court hearings, or even a trial.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself at a Houston-based firm where I am responsible for challenging, complex matters. I know there’s a steep learning curve once you graduate from law school. I want to be at a firm where I have the opportunity to work with and learn from smart, experienced lawyers. This will enable me to grow and develop into an accomplished attorney.