Meet 2024 Summer Associate Justin Fontaine

Introducing Ward and Smith’s 2024 Summer Associates!

Our six bright law students are diving into the legal world, and we’re excited to share their stories and learn about their backgrounds and goals in our series, “Meet the Summer Associate.”

Introducing Justin Fontaine

Justin Fontaine

Hometown: Asheville, NC
School: Wake Forest School of Law – 2L

Would you like to share something about your family?

I am the youngest of four siblings. While I have cousins and a late uncle who attended law school, I am the first of my direct family to pursue this career.

What do you like to do in your downtime when you’re not studying?

Read/audiobooks, movies, find new scenic routes to drive, workout.

What is your favorite movie?

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

What is your favorite book?

When the Center Held

What is your favorite food?

Classic cheeseburger

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Lake Keowee in South Carolina

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

Washington, DC

If you knew you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you pursue?

Own a NASCAR team.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Before my racing career took off, I trained to be a private pilot (although I have not gotten my licensing).

Why do you want to be an attorney?

I find the subject matter to be fascinating. In the transaction space specifically, I am excited at the prospect of each day being a little bit different and being a part of a team that gets to negotiate and formalize agreements between parties and seeing those efforts come to fruition.

What sparked your interest in law?

I was first exposed to the law when I worked for Congressman McHenry in Washington. After that internship, I took time on my own to research what it meant to “be a lawyer” and fell in love with different subject matters attorneys had the opportunity to work with.

What is the hardest part of law school?

Finding the right study/work schedule while also making time for friends and family.

What are you most excited to learn during your time here at Ward and Smith?

I am most excited to have the opportunity to work in the practice areas that align with my interests, refine my writing skills, and become a part of the new professional community of people.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would like to have myself established here in North Carolina and settle in at a firm where I can grow and develop long-term.

What’s the best advice someone has given you?

Find a way to learn from your failures.

Describe yourself in three words.

Tenacious, ambitious, motivated.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Winning a NASCAR Championship (either as a driver or a team owner).

Western or Eastern barbecue? And why?

Eastern. My mother’s side of the family is from Texas, and their barbecue is certainly good. However, I think we do a better job with sides and condiments.