Fraser Stryker welcomed another outstanding class of talented law students into our 2025 Summer Associate program. In this spotlight, we’re excited to share the experiences and insights of one of this year’s 1L participants, Sam Spethman. Attending the University of Nebraska College of Law, Sam serves as the Vice Dean of the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity and an Inclusive Leadership Fellow.
Before law school, Sam earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication Studies, with a minor in Public Policy Analysis Certification, from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. A Chancellor’s Scholar, he served four years in ASUN Student Government, was Recruitment Chair for the Mortar Board Honor Society, and sat on the Daily Nebraskan’s Board of Diversity and Inclusion.
Q: What first sparked your interest in applying for the Fraser Stryker Summer Associate program, or what stood out to you during the application process?
A: When I went through the OCI process, I was drawn to Fraser Stryker because of the people. I have always valued a work environment that is welcoming, collaborative, and supportive, and every interaction I had with the firm’s attorneys reaffirmed that this is a place where those values are genuinely lived out. From the very first conversation, I felt that people at Fraser Stryker not only took pride in their work but also in fostering an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere. That sense of authenticity and approachability really stood out to me, and it made me confident that this was a firm where I could grow both professionally and personally.
Q: Going into the program, what areas of law were you most drawn to? How have your interests shifted, or become more focused, through your time here?
A: Before starting as a summer associate, I was fairly open to exploring different areas of law. One of my primary goals for the summer was to gain hands-on experience across a variety of practice areas to better understand where my interests were. Fraser Stryker’s summer associate program offered exactly the kind of flexibility I was looking for. I was able to work on a diverse range of projects, from litigation, transactional matters, and research, which gave me valuable insight into the day-to-day work in different practice groups. This variety helped me discover that I am interested in litigation and also gave me a better understanding of how the different parts of the firm collaborate to serve clients effectively.
Q: Which project challenged you the most this summer, and how did you grow as a result?
A: I had a couple of property-related cases that challenged me. Coming out of my first year of law school, property was not my favorite subject, so I was worried about taking on something that I didn’t particularly enjoy. However, I felt like these projects actually helped me see how property law works in the “real world” and not just the classroom. These projects not only taught me more about the application of property law, but also showed me that practicing the law is not the same as learning the law.
Q: What insights or words of wisdom would you pass along to next year’s Summer Associate class?
A: Say yes! Whether it is for a new project, going to court, or joining an attorney for lunch or coffee, always take the opportunity. The summer associate program at Fraser Stryker is truly what you make of it, so putting yourself out there, building relationships, and learning throughout the summer is the best way to get the most out of the experience.
About Fraser Stryker’s Summer Associate Program
The Summer Associate Program is structured to give summer associates a realistic experience, which is comparable to that of a first-year attorney. Visit the Fraser Stryker Summer Associate Program page to learn more about our program.
This article has been prepared for general information purposes and (1) does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship, (2) is not intended as a solicitation, (3) is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice, and (4) is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney. Always seek professional counsel prior to taking action.