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 2L participants, Taya Skelton. Attending the University of Nebraska College of Law, Taya is active in the Women’s Law Caucus, Sports and Business Law Club, N-Volved, Inner Circle, and Delta Theta Phi. One of five students chosen to represent Nebraska Law at Tulane University’s Sports Law Negotiation Competition, she has also served as a Law Student Mentor. She is involved with the Nebraska Athletics Community Outreach program and has competed as a student-athlete on Nebraska’s Cross Country and Track & Field team since 2019.
Taya graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Spanish and Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She excelled as a student-athlete and leader, earning multiple honors, including the Sam Foltz 27 Hero Leadership Award and Big Ten Sportsmanship Award, while contributing to campus organizations, mentoring programs, and service trips abroad.
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: My interest was first sparked by a fellow classmate and now co-worker, Soffi Olson. Soffi had worked at Fraser Stryker during her 1L summer and spoke so highly of her experience that it made a strong impression on me. When I mentioned that I was looking to try something new for my 2L summer, she encouraged me to apply. When I came to Omaha for my interview, I was immediately drawn to the people and the culture at Fraser Stryker. The attorneys I met were warm and welcoming, and I left with the sense that this was a place where they not only genuinely cared about their work, but also about one another. Fraser Stryker felt like a team that I could be a part of, learn from, and contribute to. After my interview, those feelings really stuck with me and were soon confirmed when I began working here this summer.
Q: How did working directly with clients (or on client matters) impact your understanding of legal practice?
A: Getting to work with clients and on real client matters reminded me of why I wanted to become an attorney in the first place. I’ve always wanted to solve complex problems and help people and being involved in real work, rather than just hypotheticals from a casebook, helped me to reconnect with that goal. It reaffirmed my decision to go to law school and showed me how impactful this career can be.
Q: What’s one thing you’ll take with you from this experience that will stay with you throughout your career?
A: Something I will take with me from this experience is the importance of asking questions and staying curious. No one knows everything or has the answers to every question, but if you’re willing to learn and willing to work hard, you’ll go far. That mindset is something I’ll carry with me throughout my career.
Q: What insights or words of wisdom would you pass along to next year’s Summer Associate class?
A: The best advice I can give to next year’s Summer Associate class is to take a deep breath and remind yourself that not everything you do will be perfect, and that is completely okay! That was a hard realization for me at first, as I am sure it will be for others too, but it is crucial. You’re here to learn, grow and develop, and no one at Fraser Stryker expects you to know everything day one. If you do your best, ask questions, and work hard, you’ll have a fun and rewarding summer!
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.