Our 2025 Summer Associate Program brought 11 law students from nine law schools to the firm for an intellectually challenging and professionally gratifying experience. The students took part in firm-sponsored social events and community service projects throughout the summer in addition to attending client meetings, depositions, court hearings and other proceedings. Nearing the end of the program, the students agreed to share a few highlights from their summer at Shutts.
Abigail L. Morgan joined Shutts’ Tallahassee office for the summer from the Florida State University, College of Law. Abigail is a member of the Christian Legal Society and vice president of the Federalist Society. She has previously externed for Judge Rachel E. Nordby for the First District Court of Appeal.
Abigail shares her thoughts on her summer experience at Shutts.
Why did you choose to spend your 2025 Summer with Shutts?
I chose to spend my 2025 Summer with Shutts because of the firm’s excellent reputation for high-quality work and the opportunity to learn from skilled attorneys in areas that align with my career goals. I specifically pursued working in the Tallahassee office because of my strong interest in government, constitutional, and political law—areas where Shutts has established itself as a leader in Florida!
What were the three most memorable experiences throughout your time here?
The most memorable experience was attending a four-day federal trial in the Middle District of Florida. I participated in pre-trial and post-trial research and strategy discussion every day, which gave me incredible insight into how experienced litigators prepare and adapt their approach. Watching the trial unfold in real-time and seeing how all our preparation translated into the courtroom was fascinating and really sparked my interest in litigation as a career path.
Another memorable experience was contributing to motion drafting throughout the summer. This was a completely new aspect of legal work for me, and I loved learning how to craft persuasive legal arguments and structure complex legal reasoning.
All the social events throughout the summer were also incredibly memorable. From a dinner party at managing partner Ben Gibson’s house to a pickleball event and a farewell happy hour. Each experience was unique and eventful, allowing me to interact with my office outside of the work environment, which was wonderful!
If you could go back to the first day of the summer program and give yourself a piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to just breathe and remember that everyone expects you to be learning. At the start of the summer, I was nervous about what I would be learning and uncertain about how to approach tasks or whether I was doing them correctly. However, I quickly learned that the other attorneys not only understood these feelings but actively helped ease my stress about not knowing how to approach certain tasks. My experience was filled with positive interactions with attorneys who were eager to answer or provide help whenever I needed it.