This summer, seven promising law students have joined Ward and Smith as part of our 2025 Summer Associate Program.
Over the next several weeks, they’ll gain firsthand exposure to a variety of practice areas while participating in case work, legal research, and client matters. It’s a learning experience designed to jumpstart their legal journeys—and we’re also making time for some fun.
Through our “Meet the Summer Associate” series, we’re getting to know each of them beyond the resume, and the next summer associate up is a familiar face.
Gavin Dacier returns as a second-year law student.
Hometown: Marvin, NC
School: Campbell University Law School, 2L
Would you like to share something about your family?
I have a yellow lab named Hudson, and a cat named Simba.
What do you like to do in your downtime when you're not studying?
I like to run, swim, and play pickleball or tennis when I'm not studying.
What is your favorite movie?
Django Unchained
What is your favorite book?
1776 (McCullough)
What is your favorite food?
Steak
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Kiawah Island
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
Hawaii
If you knew you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you pursue?
I would want to hike the Appalachian Trail nonstop.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I enjoy visiting national parks, camping, and backpacking.
Why do you want to be an attorney?
I want to aid clients in protecting and reaping the benefits of their intellectual property. I also want to work with innovators and creators at the cutting edge of different industries.
What sparked your interest in law?
My interest in law was sparked when I was working alongside attorneys at a legal software company after graduating from college.
What is the hardest part of law school?
Staying committed to a consistent exercise/training routine with an irregular class schedule.
What are you most excited to learn during your time here at Ward and Smith?
I see myself assisting clients with intellectual property matters and helping creators protect and commercialize their IP
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I expect that I will be prosecuting patents and maybe litigating some in five years.
What's the best advice someone has given you?
The best advice I've received is to never give up. You don't fail until and unless you give up!
Describe yourself in three words.
Persistent, ambitious, kind.
If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
If I were famous, I would be famous for cooking or running on social media
Western or Eastern barbecue? And, why?
Eastern, warrants no explanation.
If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would the slogan be?
"Progress, not perfection."
The 2025 Summer Associate Program at Ward and Smith is underway! Running from May 12 to June 20, it’s designed to provide law students with meaningful exposure to firm life. Explore the program: https://www.wardandsmith.com/careers/law-students.
