“Not knowing what I wanted to do before law school, whether it be transactional or litigation, seeing someone so passionate about litigation is a pretty great experience” – Alex, Summer Associate
My name is Alexandra Baldwin, and I go to New York Law School. I’m a rising 3L, and this summer, I’ve been working as a litigation intern and summer associate here at Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with many different attorneys, which is something I really value about smaller firms in the city. I’ve worked with Jeff, Colin, Billy, and Josh, as well as Adam. Colin even took me to court, which was an incredible experience, especially since I’m focused on litigation. Adam has an open-door policy, which is amazing. Despite how busy he is, he always makes himself available to everyone. That level of accessibility and interaction with a managing partner is something you don’t often get, and it has been one of the highlights of my time here.
Working on arbitration letters with Billy has been my favorite experience so far. While summer associates primarily handle research, this was my first significant writing project outside of research memos. I enjoy writing, and this gave me a chance to practice and receive feedback, which is invaluable for improving. Billy’s guidance and critiques have been incredibly helpful, and I’ve learned so much from this experience.
The firm has a very welcoming environment. From the very first day, everyone was friendly and kind. During my interview, I could already feel the supportive culture, and it carried over when I started working here. On my first day, I introduced myself to every partner, asking if they had work for me, and everyone was so approachable. The open-door culture here makes it easy to connect with people, whether to discuss work or just have a casual conversation.
Adam, in particular, has been a fantastic mentor. His passion for litigation is inspiring—seeing someone so dedicated to advocating for his clients and building a successful firm is a unique experience for a law student. I’ve worked with him on research projects and litigation preparation, and he’s always been available to answer questions or offer feedback. Watching him prepare for and engage in litigation has been one of the most motivating aspects of my summer.
Every day here is different, depending on who you’re working with and the cases they’re handling. Most of the work as a summer associate involves research and drafting memos. I’ve also had the chance to assist with litigation prep, from preparing documents for court submissions to listening in on calls with witnesses. Those experiences are fascinating and provide insight into areas of law you might not encounter otherwise.
My advice to anyone working at Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. is to come in with a positive attitude and be ready to adapt. The first week can feel overwhelming, but take the time to talk to every partner, learn their preferences, and understand how they work. Pay attention to their feedback, especially on things like research and writing. Be open to criticism—whether it’s positive or negative, it’s all constructive and will help you improve.
The feedback I’ve received from the attorneys has been incredibly helpful. Asking for critiques on my assignments has allowed me to grow and refine my skills, and I think that’s one of the most valuable parts of this experience.