Kelly McNamee is a 2022 Summer Associate in the firm’s Garden City office. She is a current law student at St. John’s University School of Law and will be graduating in 2023. Learn more about Kelly through the Summer Associate Spotlight below:
What made you interested in law as a Career?
I always had an interest in law since high school. It was the only subject that ever really caught my attention and made me excited to learn. However, working for Cullen and Dykman for a number of years really increased my interest level by just seeing the day-to-day operations of a firm and having the opportunity to interact with the attorneys, even though it may have been on the accounting side. It pushed me to pursue a career in law.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is run. I’ve become an avid runner over the years and have run multiple marathons. It’s become one of my favorite activities because I get to be outside, stay in shape, and it’s a great stress reliever.
What made you want to apply to Cullen and Dykman’s Summer Associate Program?
I applied to the Summer Associate Program because I have enjoyed my years working for the firm. When I started law school, I received so much support and encouragement from so many attorneys throughout the firm. I knew I wanted to continue working here and have the opportunity to learn from them.
What have you enjoyed most about Cullen and Dykman’s program so far?
I’ve really enjoyed being able to work with different departments throughout the firm. It allows me to learn about different areas of law that I maybe never thought about practicing in.
What academic/professional achievement are you most proud of?
The academic achievement that I am most proud of are my two master’s degrees. I have a MS in Management with a Concentration in Human Resources and an Executive MBA.
Favorite Quote?
“There is no way around hard work. Embrace it.” ~Roger Federer
What advice do you have for prospective Summer Associates?
I would tell prospective Summer Associates to try to take advantage of any opportunities that are presented to them, even if it is in an area of law that they are not that interested in. There are so many attorneys who are willing to teach, so best to take advantage of it and learn as much as you can.
About Cullen and Dykman's Summer Associate Program
For more than 40 years, we have hired law school students to participate in Cullen and Dykman’s Summer Associate Program, which offers challenging assignments, training, mentoring programs, networking opportunities and social events to students after completion of their second year of law school. Our Summer Associate Program is designed to allow law students to explore different practice areas while interacting with different attorneys at the firm’s offices in New York, New Jersey and Washington, DC.
About Cullen and Dykman LLP
Cullen and Dykman LLP is a full-service law firm that clients have trusted to deliver top-tier, cost-effective legal services since 1850. With over 190 attorneys in seven offices located throughout the Northeast and MidAtlantic regions, Cullen and Dykman is strategically positioned to meet the changing needs and demands of our clients.