Meet 2025 Summer Associate Caroline McLean

It’s shaping up to be an exciting summer at Ward and Smith, where seven law students have joined us through our 2025 Summer Associate Program.

Throughout the program, they’ll dive into substantive work, such as drafting legal memos and supporting client matters, learning from our attorneys while contributing in meaningful ways. Outside the office, we’re making connections that go beyond the legal pad through our fun “Meet the Summer Associate” series.

Let’s meet Caroline McLean:

Caroline McLean

Hometown: Charlotte, NC
School: University of South Carolina School of Law, 2L

Would you like to share something about your family?

We are trivia champs!

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

I love to travel! Before starting law school, I went backpacking around Europe for five weeks. I also got into hiking when I lived in the mountains in undergrad. Now, I love any opportunity to get outdoors.

What is your favorite movie?

The Blind Side

What is your favorite book?

A Court of Mist and Fury

What is your favorite food?

Cheese!

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Italy

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

I would live in Thailand because the cost of living is low, and it is easily accessible to other travel destinations in Southeast Asia.

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

I would be a professional singer.

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

I do not have any aunts, uncles, or first cousins.

Why do you want to be an attorney?

I like to be intellectually challenged in my day-to-day life. I like how attorneys are constantly learning because the law is so vast and changes so often.

What sparked your interest in law?

Both of my parents are lawyers, so I have been exposed to the law and the profession my whole life.

What is the hardest part of law school?

For me, the hardest part of law school was the initial adjustment and learning how to manage the workload and prep for class, study, etc.

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

I am excited to finally be able to work on some actual cases!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself as a practicing attorney at a firm. I want to have gained a considerable amount of knowledge of and experience in practicing law.