Throughout June and July, Proskauer welcomed in-house alumni back to its New York, Los Angeles and Chicago offices to meet with the Firm's 2026 Summer Associates through a series of informal breakfasts, lunches and small-group discussions. Alumni shared candid reflections on their experiences at Proskauer, the career paths that led them in-house and the lessons that have shaped their careers, giving summer associates the opportunity to ask questions, gain practical insights and explore the many professional paths that can begin at the Firm.
“I think it’s extremely helpful for young attorneys to get the chance to meet with lawyers at all stages in their careers, especially to learn and understand the various paths available to them.”
Jacob Weinberg, Corporate Counsel, Creative Artists Agency
The series featured alumni from a broad range of industries. In New York, Laura Franks, vice president at Major League Soccer and a member of Proskauer's 2016 summer associate class, joined her former summer classmate, associate Austin McLeod, for a conversation about transitioning from private practice to an in-house leadership role. She reflected on trusting her instincts as a leader, navigating career transitions and maintaining the relationships built at Proskauer. Additional New York sessions featured Andrew Eiger, general counsel at Overtime; Danyelle Baldwin, associate legal counsel at Overtime; David Bayer, senior counsel, labor relations at the NFL; Zach Drozd, managing director and general counsel at Onex Credit; Mariel Reilly, associate general counsel and chief compliance officer at Onex Credit; and Neel Sheth, deputy general counsel at Trivest Partners, who shared perspectives from careers spanning sports, media and private capital. The New York summer class also joined Peter Martin, counsel at the New York Yankees, for a June outing at Yankee Stadium, creating another opportunity for conversation in a more informal setting.
The program also extended to Los Angeles and Chicago. In Los Angeles, Jacob Weinberg, corporate counsel at Creative Artists Agency and a member of Proskauer's 2021 summer associate class, returned to discuss his journey from summer associate to mid-level associate before moving in-house. In Chicago, Luke Mansour, vice president and associate general counsel at the Chicago Bears and a member of the Firm's 2014 summer associate class, shared how his experience at Proskauer prepared him for a legal career in professional sports. Together, the discussions emphasized the value of curiosity, strong professional relationships and remaining open to unexpected opportunities.
“Speaking alongside my colleague [Andrew Eiger], a fellow Proskauer alum I met later in my career, shows how shared ties to the firm can foster meaningful relationships long after your time at the firm.”
Danyelle Baldwin, Associate Legal Counsel, Overtime
“I am so glad that Proskauer invited me back to speak with the current Summer Associates,” said Jacob Weinberg. “It was incredible getting to meet these intelligent individuals, share insights about my journey, and answer their questions about beginning their own legal careers. I think it’s extremely helpful for young attorneys to get the chance to meet with lawyers at all stages in their careers, especially to learn and understand the various paths available to them. I am grateful for the numerous mentors I had while at Proskauer who helped me grow and get to where I am today. I will always be willing to support the Proskauer community.”
By bringing alumni back to the offices where many of their own legal careers began, the series highlighted the enduring strength of Proskauer's alumni network and the Firm's commitment to supporting lawyers throughout their careers. The conversations demonstrated how the relationships formed during the summer program continue long after attorneys leave the Firm, creating a community that remains invested in the success of future generations.
“Returning to Proskauer to speak with this year’s Summer Associates was a full-circle experience,” said Danyelle Baldwin. “I appreciated the opportunity to share my career journey, answer thoughtful questions, and have candid conversations about the many paths a legal career can take. I’m grateful for how Proskauer shaped me as a lawyer and for the community that extends beyond the firm. Speaking alongside my colleague [Andrew Eiger], a fellow Proskauer alum I met later in my career, shows how shared ties to the firm can foster meaningful relationships long after your time at the firm.”
