Summer Job Spotlight: Schuyler Troy, 2L, Summer Associate, Fredrikson & Byron

Rising 2L Schuyler Troy is currently working as a summer associate for Fredrikson & Byron, a Minneapolis-based firm with more than 300 attorneys internationally. Not only is Troy getting a chance to experience the litigation work he would one day like to pursue, but he has also had the opportunity to perform pro bono work in areas that he is passionate about.

How did you connect with this summer opportunity?
I received a scholarship from Fredrikson & Byron and was connected to their recruiting director after sending a letter of thanks. To be honest, I was not interested in working at Fredrikson prior to that meeting, but the conversation went so well that I decided to apply.

Please describe a “typical” day on the job.
I typically had 2-3 projects that I worked on at any one time, mostly research to assist in a case but also internal research. Besides that, much of the summer was spent on video conferences getting to know attorneys and staff at the firm.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your summer experience? (E.g., Are you working from home? Has it changed the substance of what you do?)
Because we were remote the whole summer, it felt difficult to develop organic relationships with people—e.g., no impromptu coffee runs or lunch. Fredrikson did a great job trying to recreate that experience with regular remote networking events.

How so far has your summer experience compared with your expectations?
It was better than expected! I was not optimistic that the abrupt shift to a fully remote experience would go smoothly, but it went about as well as any of us could have hoped. The work was challenging, and I got the opportunity to work on some interesting cases.

How does your experience connect with what you currently envision doing with your law degree?
I am interested in litigation, and I got the opportunity to assist with several ongoing cases. Additionally, a particular aspect of working at Fredrikson that I really appreciated is the sense of importance that the firm places on pro bono work. I was able to work on several pro bono cases in areas of interest to me such as education and juvenile homelessness.

What advice would you offer another law student thinking about working in a similar position next summer?
Go for it! Coming in as a 1L last summer, I was not interested in pursuing “Big Law” at all, but I am glad I took the opportunity to work at Fredrikson. There are opportunities to work in so many different areas of legal practice, and even if you ultimately determine that it isn’t for you, it’s a great way to explore different areas of law.

These are stressful times. What are you doing for wellness to de-stress?
I started practicing meditation upon entering law school, and it has served me very well over the last year. First year is challenging enough as it is without the stress of a global pandemic and social unrest, so having developed a practice to center myself has been invaluable. I also have a wonderful dog who regularly reminds me not to take everything so seriously.

How are you spending your free time this summer?
I have spent most of my free time just relaxing and catching my breath. First year felt like a marathon at times, so I have enjoyed having some time to play video games that I missed out on during the academic year and reading for fun. I also enjoy cooking, so I have taken the opportunity to explore some new recipes.

Anything else you’d like to share about your experience or about this summer?
Nothing I can think of! It was a great summer, all things considered, and I’m looking forward to starting second year!