Meet 2026 Summer Associate Lauren Brodeur

Ward and Smith’s 2026 Summer Associate Program is in full swing, with seven law students gaining real-world legal experience across each of our offices. Over the summer, they’ll sharpen their skills in legal analysis, research, and client service — all while building lasting professional relationships.

We’re spotlighting each of them in our “Meet the Summer Associate” series.

Meet Lauren Brodeur:

Hometown: Greensboro, NC

School: University of North Carolina School of Law, 2L

Would you like to share something about your family?
I’m the youngest of three girls, and I’m really close to my family. My oldest sister has two little girls, and being an aunt is my favorite thing.

What do you like to do in your downtime when you’re not studying?
I love to read, do yoga, and try new restaurants and coffee shops!

What is your favorite movie?
When Harry Met Sally.

What is your favorite book?
Emma by Jane Austen and Long Bright River by Liz Moore are my two favorites.

What is your favorite food?
Margherita pizza.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Ocean Isle Beach. I grew up going there every summer with my family, and I think it’s the best beach in NC.

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
Italy. I haven’t gone, but I’ve always wanted to visit.

If you knew you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you pursue?
Writing a book.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a huge reality TV fan.

Why do you want to be an attorney?
I want to be an attorney because I like solving problems and helping people through big moments in their lives.

What sparked your interest in law?
I went into college thinking I wanted to pursue something in healthcare, then I took a class my freshman year all about rhetoric and argumentation. I realized that I only wanted to do healthcare because I wanted to help people, but my skills were much better suited to argumentation, reading, and writing.

What is the hardest part of law school?
Staying committed to a consistent routine and balancing my personal life with the amount of work that law school has.

What are you most excited to learn during your time here at Ward and Smith?
I’m excited to take what I’ve learned in law school and apply it practically.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
An associate attorney at a firm.

What’s the best advice someone has given you?
Do it scared.

Describe yourself in three words.
Kind, ambitious, genuine.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
I’d be an author.

Western or Eastern barbecue? And, why?
Eastern — it’s the only right answer.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would the slogan be?
Always find a reason to laugh.