Forum Selection Clauses – An Overlooked Contractual Pitfall
May 8, 2026
We have hired six bright students who are keen to join our 2024 Summer Associate Program. They are gaining invaluable hands-on legal experience, and we are excited to introduce them to you through our “Meet the Summer Associate” series.
Get to know Sarah Strickland

Hometown: Salemburg, NC
School: Campbell University School of Law – 2L
My family members are HUGE NC State fans. I had the most alumni in my family of the 2018 Freshman Class at the annual alumni luncheon.
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, and going for walks.
The Greatest Showman
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Sushi
North Myrtle Beach. I grew up going there with my family and now my parents have retired there.
Italy. The warm weather, stunning architecture, and homemade pasta would be heaven.
I would try out for an Olympic team, either gymnastics, track and field, or volleyball.
When I was young, I competed in pageants, and my talent was clogging.
I want to be able to give back to others and remain challenged throughout my career.
My family has always been involved in local politics, making law and politics a dinner table conversation for me from an early age.
There is never enough time in the day.
Seeing what the day-to-day life is like for an attorney! I am also excited to see the things I’ve learned in the classroom in real life.
I see myself as a practicing attorney in North Carolina, expanding my knowledge within a particular field.
Nothing worth having comes easy.
Enthusiastic, determined, and loyal.
Being able to talk for days (with no response needed).
Eastern barbecue; I think Sampson County would disown me if I picked otherwise! And, it’s obviously better!
Work hard, play hard!
Ward and Smith’s 2024 Summer Associate Program ends on June 21. Click here to learn more about our program.
Stay In Touch