Written by: Blake Etringer 

Many Law Hawks spent their summers interning at firms and nonprofits across the country, gaining firsthand experience to help prepare for their future careers. Richelle Manuel, a 2L at the University of Iowa College of Law, had a busy summer interning at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll in Cedar Rapids. Manuel shares the lessons she learned from the experience and offers advice for interns looking to follow in her footsteps. 

Tell us about your internship experience:  

"For my first-year summer, I spent ten weeks working at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll in Cedar Rapids. I was given the freedom to seek projects that I found interesting, including a review of executive orders, legal research on state civil procedure matters, and trademark infringement questions. I even had the opportunity to observe a jury trial. My key takeaway is that you can always learn from anyone, anywhere, at any time about anything. Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, so I made it a point to say “yes” to unfamiliar tasks and/or projects. That mindset not only expanded my skill set but also helped me build meaningful connections across practice areas."

What advice might you give to a future intern after your experience? 

"My main advice for future summer associates is to do your assigned tasks well, however small they may be. In my last week of work, I made a point to chat with the attorneys, paralegal, and the staff, not just to say goodbye, but also to collect some life and professional advice. Among all the insights I received, my favorite came from a retired attorney: 'Take your coffee cup to the sink, rinse it, and put it in the dishwasher. Everybody. No exception.' This is a reminder that even the smallest actions are a reflection of your character. So, whatever the task, do it well."

How has your internship shaped your future career goals? 

"Working at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll has given me a clearer vision of the kind of lawyer I hope to become. Working alongside talented attorneys, I gained insight into the importance of precision, integrity, and client-centered advocacy."