This summer, Ward and Smith continued its longstanding summer associate program by welcoming four law school students.
As they learn the ins-and-outs of the legal profession, we are taking a moment to get to know them better in our series called Meet the Summer Associate. First up is second-year Campbell Law student Payton Collier.
Share something about your family:
My siblings and I are all close but my sister, Chamberlain, and I are lucky enough to be sharing the law school experience together. She is also a 2L at Campbell and my roommate! We have really enjoyed being in law school together and I am grateful to have her by my side.
What is your favorite movie?
Parent Trap!
What is your favorite book(s)?
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson AND The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
If you knew you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you pursue?
I have always thought it would be cool to open some kind of local business that blooms into a town staple. Whether that be a restaurant, clothing store, etc., I love the idea of owning something that serves as a sort of "flagship" for a city.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I know how to code using HTML5 and CSS. I also have a background in graphic design and have continued that hobby by making t-shirts and logos for SBA and other organizations while at Campbell.
What sparked your interest in law?
My dad being an attorney definitely gave me a unique perspective of this profession from a young age. As a stubborn teenager who didn't want to be like her parents, I went to college and tried to fight my natural pre-disposition to a legal career. My sophomore year, I took a Media Law class that all my classmates hated and I loved. The class was taught by a UNC Law professor and marks the first time I realized that I needed to consider law as a legitimate career option.
What is the hardest part of law school?
The hardest part of law school is staying grounded. It is so easy to get caught up in the stress of each day or comparing yourself to others. To combat this I try to do little things like getting outside for a ten minute walk every few hours or calling my mom.
Western or Eastern barbecue? And why?
Eastern! Three reasons: (1) I grew up in Eastern NC so it's basically part of my religion. (2) One of our close family friends owns Parchies Barbecue (AKA: The best barbecue spot in our state!) so it's a big deal in our family to eat there regularly. (3) I worked at a Smithfield's in high school for a short stint (which is a long story) but I still love their food—especially their barbecue!
Ward and Smith's six-week Summer Associate Program runs through June 21.