North Carolina’s Gift Ban and Nonprofits: Broader Exceptions, Reporting, and Penalties
May 22, 2026
Meet 2025 Summer Associate Sarah Shapiro
The 2025 Summer Associate Program at Ward and Smith is in full swing, offering seven exceptional law students the opportunity to explore firm life while working closely with attorneys in every office.
From day one, they’ve been doing real legal work—drafting, analyzing, and collaborating—and picking up tools they’ll carry into their legal futures. And while they work hard, we make sure there’s time to connect and have fun too. We’re excited to introduce each of them through our “Meet the Summer Associate” series.
Introducing Summer Associate Sarah Shapiro:
Wilmington, NC
Wake Forest University School of Law, 2L
Would you like to share something about your family?
My grandparents are the greatest people alive.
What is your favorite movie?
About Time
What is your favorite book?
A Thousand Splendid Suns
What is your favorite food?
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Any European city where I can walk around with a fresh croissant.
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
Prague.
If you knew you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you pursue?
Movie director.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I speak Russian (poorly).
Why do you want to be an attorney?
I love working with people to solve complex problems (and I was never very good at science).
What sparked your interest in law?
I worked in a family law firm for three years after graduation and discovered how much I loved the law. Even though it was hard, I loved helping clients through some of the worst days of their lives. I was constantly learning, helping people in the community, and working with people who were driven to do the same.
What is the hardest part of law school?
Missing the sun during finals.
What are you most excited to learn during your time here at Ward and Smith?
I’m excited to meet more of the Ward and Smith team and learn about the day-to-day of different practice areas.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Practicing law in Wilmington and keeping up with my Goodreads.
What’s the best advice someone has given you?
It’s better to be nice than to be right.
Describe yourself in three words.
Kind, curious, and outgoing.
If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
A world record holder for fastest sunburn.
Western or Eastern barbecue? And, why?
I’m a pescatarian (but please don’t hold it against me).
If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would the slogan be?
“If you want to go fast, go alone; If you want to go far, go together.”
Our 2025 Summer Associate Program runs until June 20. Learn more about it here: https://www.wardandsmith.com/careers/law-students.
Meet our 2025 Summer Associates
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