Summer 2000
Y2K Summer Associates
Hanson Bridgett enjoyed hosting another wonderful crew of Summer Associates over this past summer. Find out a little about many of these students as well as their reasons for selecting Hanson Bridgett as the place to spend the Summer of 2000. You can click on their names below or just scroll down to see the entire class.
Pictured left to right :
Front Row: Tina L. Bissey,
Jennifer R. Fink, Recruitment
Manager Sheryl Geraldi, Angela T. Houlemard. Back Row: Chuck
Cordes, Norman E. Garcia,
Billy Chan, Edward
J. Mathes.
Tina L. Bissey
University of California, Hastings College
of the Law, J.D. Candidate 2000;
Temple University, B.A. in Accounting and Finance, 1990.
During the recruiting process, I selected Hanson Bridgett because of its great reputation in the legal community and the positive reviews from a 1999 summer associate. Everyone at the firm has made an effort to welcome and get to know the summer associates. On my first day as a summer associate, I was particularly impressed, when I was individually introduced to all of the Hanson Bridgett attorneys.
I was drawn to Hanson Bridgett because its public agency practice which touches upon so many areas of law and public policy; however, I am also considering pursuing business law.
Nearly ten years ago I moved to San Francisco and have left on a few occasions to live and work in Chicago and overseas, but haven’t been able to stay away permanently. Historically, I have spent my free time backpacking or skiing in the Sierras; however, my husband and I are expecting our first child at the end of the summer so I suspect some modifications may have to be made..
Billy Chan
UC Berkeley School of Law
(Boalt Hall), J.D. Candidate, 2001 UCLA, B.A. in Political Science
and Sociology, Specialization in Business Administration 1998
Hanson Bridgett was the first firm I interviewed with and made a potentially tough decision easy. Perhaps it was because I knew a lot about the firm even before I had my interview. Hanson Bridgett is a name I would often see as a sponsor at recruiting events aimed at Students of Color. During my first year in law school, I attended a study skills workshop put on by a bright and aspiring young lawyer from Hanson Bridgett, and it impressed me that a first year associate would not only have the dedication, but also the time to volunteer for such an activity. The more I learn about Hanson Bridgett's community participation, the more I find myself being impressed. I was proud to learn that Hanson Bridgett was a primary benefactor for Boalt Hall's Asian Pacific American Law Students Association Public Interest Fellowship, and they have been a listed sponsor of the law student receptions put by the Asian American Bar Association and La Raza Lawyer's Association.
I found myself drawn to Hanson because of these associations I had with the name, but what really has me sold on Hanson is the culture. The people in the firm--partners, associates, staff - have all gone out of their way in ensuring that my summer experience is a fulfilling and enjoyable one. Moreover, I feel a refreshing sense of job satisfaction from everyone I talk with.
I hope to have the opportunity to continue here at Hanson after I graduate, in which case the toughest choice I’ll have to make is whether to stay in Berkeley or move out to the City.
Chuck Cordes
University of San Francisco, J.D. Candidate
2001; University of California at Santa Barbara, B.A., cum laude,
Philosophy and English Literature, 1985.
Even before embarking on my search for a summer associate's position, I was well aware of Hanson Bridgett's reputation for delivering high quality legal representation to its clients while maintaining a humane and progressive work environment for its attorneys. After several one-on-one interviews with a diverse group of associates and partners, I knew this was the firm for me. For though the attorneys expressed differing interests, and came from a variety of backgrounds, they all showed true enthusiasm for their work, and respect and admiration for their colleagues. My experience over the summer has borne my initial impressions. The work I've been given is challenging and varied. Most important, I have had an opportunity to work with highly skilled attorneys who take the time to offer the kind of support and constructive feedback that will help me grow as a lawyer. I have a strong interest in trial advocacy and hope to work in Hanson Bridgett's litigation section.
I am a native Californian, born in San Diego. I have lived in San Francisco since just before the '89 earthquake. When not studying, or preparing outlines for classes, I like to spend time with my wife and seven-year-old son.
Jennifer R. Fink
University of San Francisco School of Law,
J.D. Candidate, 2000; University of California at Santa Barbara,
B.A., Law and Society, 1997
I came to Hanson Bridgett because of the unique working environment that it provides for its attorneys. The attorneys at Hanson Bridgett are given the opportunity to do work that is both challenging as well as interesting. While the focus at Hanson Bridgett is on hard work, I have found that Hanson Bridgett attorneys are also able to live full and active lives outside of the office. I believe that this combination has created a special working environment that only Hanson Bridgett has to offer.
I am particularly interested in working for Hanson’s Business or Intellectual Property Sections.
I was born and raised in San Francisco, and enjoy the diversity and culture it has to offer. When I am not studying, I generally try to spend as much time with my two-year old nephew as possible.
Norman E. Garcia
University of California, Hastings College
of the Law, J.D. Candidate 2000;
United States Military Academy at West Point
First, let me say that I’m excited to be here at Hanson Bridgett!! While working in the legal profession these past several years I have discovered that Hanson Bridgett has an excellent reputation on a multitude of levels. When researching Hanson Bridgett, I discovered that it has developed a sound strategy for steady growth and has quality people who work hard and have fun together. Likewise, Hanson Bridgett promotes an environment conducive to teaming, developing client and employee loyalty and building employee capability and professionalism. Lastly, I found that Hanson Bridgett places a high value on the skill sets and experiences that people bring to the law firm. Needless to say, these qualities are very attractive.
I feel that I can easily fit into this progressive environment and can make a significant contribution to Hanson Bridgett by utilizing the skill sets and experiences from my previous employment. I am a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and have served as an army officer; commanded a border camp along the iron curtain; worked for Pacific Bell for eleven years in a wide range of disciplines (operations, finance, marketing--products and strategy, human resources, and systems); and worked as a paralegal in a labor and employment law firm for three years prior to going to U.C. Hastings. My previous experiences facilitate my ability to stand in the shoes of others and to truly understand what they are experiencing and what their motivations are. This in turn enables me to quickly build trust, rapport and a good working relationship with clients as well as have a greater insight as to where opposing counsel is coming from.
As for my interests here in the firm, my first choice is to work in labor and employment. This is because I can combine the best of two worlds and fully utilized previously developed skill sets. In the labor and employment section, a person can litigate cases while at the same time developing continuity with the clients through providing advice and counsel.
Edward J. Mathes
Santa Clara University School of Law, J.D.
Candidate, 2001;
Vanderbilt University, B.A. in English and History 1996
Hanson Bridgett was the last firm I interviewed with and made a previously tough decision easy. I had expected the usual cool reception of an attorney who has to make time to interview another summer associate applicant but would rather be scrambling for their 2300 billable hours. Instead I met dynamic women and men who spoke about their families and hobbies as passionately as their legal work. I discovered that the work done at Hanson Bridgett is as diverse as the staff and that I would have an opportunity to try it all.
My high expectations since then have been met and exceeded. Though I have focused my energies on Labor and Employment, Litigation and Health Care law, I have tried my hand at some estate planning, contract drafting, and public agency work too.
I recently moved to San Francisco and look forward to the vibrant arts scene here. Aside from movies, music and theater, I enjoy playing a variety of sports.
Non-Discrimination Policy: Hanson, Bridgett, Marcus, Vlahos & Rudy, LLP seeks to ensure a positive and diverse work culture where each person may work and develop professionally to the best of his or her ability free of unlawful discrimination or prejudice. To this end, the firm is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits unlawful discrimination or prejudice of any kind based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, or pregnancy.
