Highlights and takeaways from our 2025 law clerks
August 14, 2025
Press Releases
This summer brought seven talented law clerks to McNees, and we’re proud to share a look at their experience. Over the past few months, they worked across several offices, contributing to client matters while gaining valuable, hands-on legal experience.
The clerks collaborated with team members firmwide, applying their legal education in real-world contexts. Their diverse academic backgrounds and unique perspectives enriched our teams and demonstrated the strength of the next generation of legal professionals.
Our 2025 McNees Summer Law Clerks included:
Caroline Aiello – University of Maine School of Law
Morgane Barry – University of Baltimore School of Law
Kiera Flannery – Widener University Commonwealth Law School
Alexis Jabara – Penn State Dickinson Law
Reese McClure – Widener University Commonwealth Law School
Sarah Meehan – University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Jacob Zimmerman – Duquesne University Kline School of Law
Hands-on legal experience
Each clerk participated in substantive legal work, explored different practice areas, and engaged in professional development opportunities designed to support their academic and career goals.
The program also offered deeper exploration into specific legal areas through research and writing projects. Caroline Aiello, who focused on data and privacy security law, shared:
“I’ve gotten the chance to do some independent research and writing projects, where I get to deep dive into something in privacy law that interests me and is relevant to our clients. Doing that research with the help and expertise of seasoned practitioners in the field has been such a valuable learning experience.”
Kiera Flannery noted the variety of matters she encountered:
“I was surprised at how vast the area of real estate law is. Coming in, I thought the work would be more focused. I have gotten to work on several different types of matters, from land use and zoning to litigation to transactional matters.”
Why they chose McNees
Several clerks reflected on what drew them to McNees and what they valued most about the program. Sarah Meehan, who worked with the Estates and Trust Group in Pittsburgh, said:
“When I was in college, I attended a speaking event for lawyers working in a number of practice areas. I saw firsthand how lawyers can make a difference in their communities and found this very inspiring.”
For Morgane Barry, who worked with the Real Estate Law Group in Towson, the firm’s supportive culture stood out:
“What I love about McNees is that you have the ability to grow and develop while still getting the personal touches. The culture is very welcoming and supportive while still motivating its lawyers to become better.”
Jacob Zimmerman, a Duquesne Law student, learned about McNees after a guest lecture in his estates and trusts class:
“Alison [Smith] was a guest lecturer in my estates and trusts class and mentioned the position, and so I researched the firm and thought it would be a good fit. It’s nice to explore estates and trusts and all of the other areas with the attorneys here in Pittsburgh who’ve all been really, really great and have been able to provide us with different opportunities.”
Advice for future clerks
As the summer concluded, clerks offered guidance for students considering similar opportunities. Alexis Jabara encouraged taking full advantage of the experience:
“I would tell them to try to attend any open opportunity available. Meetings, professional development events, and happy hours are all fantastic opportunities to get to know people in the firm, network with connected professionals, and experience life as a lawyer.”
Reese McClure, who worked with the Real Estate & Construction Group in Frederick, suggested exploring beyond one’s primary interests:
“I would suggest not limiting yourself to only exploring the area of law you are most drawn to because you might find something else you enjoy more that you may have never originally considered.”
Looking ahead
We are grateful to all seven clerks for spending the summer with us and contributing to our work. We wish them continued success as they return to school and prepare for their future legal careers.
For information about career opportunities at McNees, please visit the Careers Section of our website.
