When I decided to apply for a Summer Associate position at Bousquet Holstein I had several reasons for my decision. I wanted to experience living in the Syracuse area for the first time. I wanted to experience what it would be like working at an office with many attorneys who specialized in very different practice areas. And I was hoping to find a place where I would be encouraged to grow professionally.
This experience has met and exceeded all my expectations.
First, this firm is very connected to the Syracuse area and has helped me feel at home during my time here. Their love for the community is apparent in the extremely energetic restaurant recommendations I have received whenever I mention visiting places like downtown Syracuse or Skaneateles.
When I attended the Syracuse International Jazz Festival's preview party with a firm-provided ticket, I also saw the firm’s strong community support firsthand. Many concert goers asked why I was there. As soon as I mentioned the name Bousquet Holstein, the person's face would often light up in gratitude for the support this firm has shown to local arts and culture. I also watched two young Utica locals in a Jazz duo named “The Young Souls” open the festival; one on keys one on saxophone. They played some excellent music, including several Billy Joel covers. If they represent the future of this region, then that future is bright.
Second, I have benefited tremendously from my exposure to multiple attorneys' subject matter expertise across a variety of practice areas. I have also been given interesting work to help assist them. Just within just the past week before writing this letter I have:
- Learned what it was like to practice law in the 1980s from an eyewitness to the Warren Court's reforms.
- Participated in multiple hour-long conversations with attorneys centered around my research into tax law (on subjects I did not even know existed before the start of this summer experience!).
- Helped one of the firm's attorneys challenge a tax assessment on their client's property.
- Provided revision suggestions to another attorney as they drafted a client's employee handbook
- Created a research memo on the difference between article 17-A and article 18 Guardianships under New York law.
And third, I have been challenged to learn something new almost every day here. I have enjoyed doing my best to keep up. Even more importantly, I have deeply valued the respect and kindness I have received from every single employee here.
Silas Smith
Silas was a 2026 summer associate at Bousquet Holstein. He returns in 2027 as an Associate. He is a law student at the State University of Albany's School of Law.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding their circumstances.