Meet 2025 Summer Associate William Atkinson

It’s officially summer at Ward and Smith! Our 2025 Summer Associate Program is underway, welcoming seven talented law students to gain hands-on experience across all our offices.

During this dynamic program, these future attorneys will dive into real-world legal work—learning case management, conducting in-depth research, and sharpening the skills that will shape their careers. But it’s not all billables and briefs—we’re also excited to get to know each of them better through our popular “Meet the Summer Associate” series.

First up, Meet William Atkinson:

William Atkinson

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

Would you like to share something about your family?

My family has lived in North Carolina, specifically the Wilmington/Topsail area, since before the Revolutionary War.

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

If it is nice out, my favorite thing to do is to take the boat out and go to the beach with friends and family.

What is your favorite movie?

The Prestige

What is your favorite book?

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

What is your favorite food?

Mac and Cheese

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

The Greenbrier

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

Florence, Italy. I haven’t been there, but I hear the food is unbeatable.

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

MLB player. 100% guaranteed contract and longevity

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

I am extremely competitive, which is mostly due to the fact that I am an identical twin and have been competing against him since day one.

Why do you want to be an attorney?

I want to be an attorney because it puts me in a position in which I can help people who otherwise would not be able to achieve their goals.

What sparked your interest in law?

As a political science student at UNC, I realized I was not as much interested in creating law, but rather, I was interested in the opportunity to use the law to solve problems for myself and other people.

What is the hardest part of law school?

Balancing my personal life with the endless amount of work that law school requires.

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

I am most excited to see how to use what I have learned in law school in a more practical environment. My professor once told me that you learn the law in school and learn how to be an attorney during the summer.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I will be an attorney, well established in my practice, and working tirelessly to effectively counsel my clients to help achieve their goals.

What’s the best advice someone has given you?

Listen more, talk less.

Describe yourself in three words.

Reasonable, Principled, and Diligent

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

If I were famous, I’d like to be famous for bringing the best side dish to Thanksgiving dinner.

Western or Eastern barbecue? And, why?

Eastern — there’s no other choice.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would the slogan be?

“Do, or do not, there is no try.” – Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

Ward and Smith’s 2025 Summer Associate Program runs from May 12 through June 20. Curious about how we help law students launch their legal careers? Learn more at: https://www.wardandsmith.com/careers/law-students.