From Residency intern to Summer Intern: My experience at BridgehouseLaw LLP

As my summer internship at BridgehouseLaw LLP comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began well before the start of the season. My first introduction to the firm came through the residency program, where I was welcomed into a community that values mentorship, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the law. Being invited back as a summer intern felt like a full circle moment. It was a moment that has only deepened my appreciation for the people and the work that make this firm unique.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of meaningful assignments that helped me grow both professionally and personally. I drafted an addendum to waive a due diligence period and inspection rights, gaining firsthand insight into the transactional side of real estate. I also prepared a residential lease for a condominium, where I had to balance clarity, legal precision, and the practical needs of both the landlords and tenants. Additionally, one of the most eye-opening experiences was attending a landlord-tenant court hearing. Seeing the courtroom dynamics play out in real time helped me better understand the importance of preparation, empathy, and adaptability in practice.

But the project that I’m most proud of was drafting a memorandum in support of a motion to dismiss for a case pending in Federal Bankruptcy Court. I was entrusted with completing the memorandum from start to finish, and the process challenged me to dig deep into the law, think strategically, and write clearly and persuasively. Receiving high praise from my supervising attorney was incredibly rewarding and, more than that, it gave me a renewed sense of confidence as I head into my 3L year and begin preparing for the bar exam.

This summer reminded me why I chose to pursue a legal career. I’m grateful for the mentorship I’ve received, the trust I was given, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the work of the firm. My time at BridgehouseLaw was nothing short of phenomenal. I leave the firm inspired, motivated, and excited for what lies ahead. 

Zinyah Robinson, Law Clerk, BridgehouseLaw, Charlotte, NC 

Wer hätte das gedacht - little known facts about Germany - even more Random

 

 🏰 Germany is home to over 25,000 castles and castle ruins, which showcase centuries of architectural history and serve as picturesque landmarks throughout the country. 🛣️ The Autobahn, Germany’s famous highway system, stretches over 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles) and is known for its sections with no speed limits, making it a thrilling experience for travelers who enjoy driving. 🍺 Oktoberfest, held annually in Munich, Bavaria, is the world’s largest Volksfest (beer festival) and attracts millions of visitors from around the globe who come to enjoy traditional German beer, food, and culture. 🌳 The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is a scenic region in southwestern Germany known for its dense forests, charming villages, and outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, and skiing in the winter months. 🪩 Berlin, the capital city of Germany, boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with countless bars, clubs, and music venues catering to a diverse range of tastes, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers. 🫟 The Berlin Wall, which once divided the city during the Cold War, is now a historical monument and open-air gallery known as the East Side Gallery. It features colorful murals painted by artists from around the world. 🏰 Neuschwanstein Castle, located in Bavaria, is a fairy-tale-like palace that inspired the design of Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. It attracts visitors with its stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. 🏞️ The Rhine River, one of Europe’s longest and most important waterways, offers scenic river cruises through picturesque landscapes dotted with medieval castles, vineyards, and charming towns. 🌭 German sausages, such as bratwurst, currywurst, and weißwurst, are an integral part of the country’s culinary heritage, and sampling regional specialties is a delicious way for travelers to experience local cuisine. 🎄 Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are a beloved tradition in Germany. Festive stalls offer handmade crafts, decorations, and seasonal treats like mulled wine (Glühwein) and gingerbread (Lebkuchen). ⛪️ The Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) is a stunning example of neo-Renaissance architecture. Visitors can explore its elaborate interior, climb to the dome for panoramic city views, and attend classical concerts. Sources: the Internet image: iStock

Summer Law Clerk at Bridgehouse

I stepped into my Summer Law Clerk role at Bridgehouse Law, LLP with one year of law school behind me and experience in civil litigation as a Florida Registered Paralegal. While the transferable skills were helpful, I had to adjust to my new role as a future attorney. The attorneys encouraged the interns to think about the implications of our work on future steps in the case, rather than having our focus solely on completing the task at hand. Under the attorneys' guidance, I could make confident, creative choices and influence strategic decisions. I had the privilege of speaking with prospective clients—some of whom became clients. 

As I had anticipated, my favorite experiences were those involving employment law. This summer I was able to return emails and calls with concrete plans on behalf of our attorneys. I contributed to chipping away at the obstacles that stand before clients, which is precisely why I decided to go to law school in the first place. I was responsible for intake calls, research, contacting regulatory agencies, and even the initial drafting of Complaints.

Additionally, I gained knowledge on immigration, corporate formation, and some domestic landlord-tenant matters. Information from each of these fields contributed to my understanding of the others. I spent a good portion of my time working on employment-based visas, including a national interest waiver, and assisting with troubleshooting unique issues that popped up along the way. I am grateful for the calls I was able to sit in on, court events I observed, and “field trips” to the Sheriff’s Office and Register of Deeds.

Last but not least, I had an incredible time working alongside my fellow Summer Law Clerks. I benefited from knowledge of classes I had not yet taken, received assistance whenever I hit a wall in my research, and was able to offer my own insight when needed. Both the attorneys and my fellow law students were kind and supportive. I can only hope to have such clever and collaborative coworkers when I step into the workforce after graduation. 

As my summer comes to a close, I would like to extend my gratitude for this incredible opportunity and all that the entire office contributed to my growth as a professional and as an individual. They each took the time to explain their work to me carefully, answer my many questions, and offer advice. While I have valuable experiences to add to my resume, the true accomplishments from this summer cannot be contained to a bullet-point list. There are principles and customs that are not written in any book and are far more valuable than one particular technical skill. The practice of law is not just the papers passed between counsel or the files submitted to the court, but the care of those holding the pen and the trust of the clients we serve.

Kaley Joe Vandergriff, Law Clerk, BridgehouseLaw Charlotte

Hot Temps and Hot Lawsuits: What Employers Should Know about Workplace Safety

Summers in North Carolina are very hot, and 2025 is no exception. With record-breaking heat waves sweeping across the country, workplace safety isn’t just a health concern; it’s a legal one. Employers, especially those in construction, agriculture, landscaping, delivery services, and warehouses, are legally obligated to protect workers from heat-related illnesses.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers provide a workplace “free from recognized hazards.” In the case of extreme heat, this means:

- Providing adequate water, rest, and shade

- Monitoring workers for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke

- Allowing time for acclimatization- especially for new workers

- Training supervisors and employees on recognizing heat illness symptoms

Employers should take proactive measures to protect their workforce and reduce the risk of liability related to heat illness. This includes implementing a written Heat Illness Prevention Plan and actively monitoring and logging workplace temperatures. It's also essential to schedule physically demanding tasks during the cooler parts of the day to minimize heat exposure. Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) alternatives that reduce heat stress can further safeguard employees. Finally, fostering a “speak-up” culture where workers feel encouraged to report symptoms early can be crucial in preventing serious heat-related incidents.

In addition to federal OSHA guidelines, several states have implemented their heat illness prevention rules. For example, California, Oregon, and Washington have adopted state-specific regulations requiring even stricter water access standards, rest breaks, shade, and training. Employers operating in these states must comply with both federal and state laws, which may include industry-specific mandates and seasonal requirements. I think understanding your local obligations is critical to avoiding penalties and ensuring full compliance.

Ignoring heat-related hazards is no longer an option for safety or compliance. With rising scrutiny from OSHA and growing public awareness, businesses that take proactive steps now will not only protect their teams but also avoid costly fines and litigation later. 

Zinyah Robinson, Law Clerk, BridgehouseLaw LLP, Charlotte, NC 

image: iStock

From Exchange to Experience: My First Legal Steps

In the 2024–2025 school year, I went abroad to Germany through CBYX, the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. This program is a fully funded exchange year sponsored by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag.

After spending 11 months away from home, I came back fluent in a new language and deeply immersed in a different culture. I’m working at BridgehouseLaw for the summer as a high school intern.

People often ask me, “Why go on an exchange?” I first traveled alone to Argentina for a two-week State Department program called Youth Ambassadors. Even though it was short, it felt like my life changed after seeing another part of the world. It was also my first time speaking Spanish outside of school. I had studied Spanish for three years, but never spoke with native speakers. When I arrived at my host family’s San Juan, Argentina home, no one spoke English. I had no choice but to speak Spanish to communicate and get through everyday life.

Those two weeks taught me that there are many more complicated things than getting a bad grade or studying for a test. Being dropped into a new culture and language and told to “survive” is one of my most challenging and eye-opening experiences. It gave me a new appreciation for what my dad went through when he immigrated to the U.S. But even through the challenges, it was thrilling. For the first time, I felt free. No one was there to make choices for me or influence my thoughts. After that trip, I knew I wanted to go abroad again.

So that summer, when I heard about CBYX from a friend already doing the program, I applied. I didn’t think I’d get in. My friend already spoke German and knew so much about the culture, and I didn’t. But by January 23rd, I found myself sitting in the semifinalist interview.

I’m really glad I applied, and even more pleased I went. At the time, I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted to be. I didn’t have a dream or a direction. Sophomore year had left me feeling burned out, and I didn’t know what I was working toward. But when I moved to Unkel, a small town near Bonn, I slowly started discovering myself again. I found joy in baking, learning about a new culture, and learning the language. By December, I spoke German with my host family, especially my two-year-old host sister. By fall break, I had made friends and hosted my Thanksgiving dinner with them and my host family.

But not every part was easy. Christmas was the hardest. It wasn’t the traditions or decorations I missed, since my Korean-American family doesn’t celebrate Christmas in the traditional American way—and German Christmas is fantastic. What I missed was simply being with my family. Seeing all the photos online of friends with their families and ice skating together really hit me. Until then, I hadn’t felt homesick. But on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), it finally hit. In Germany, Christmas is a three-day celebration—Heiligabend, Erster Weihnachtsfeiertag (first day), and Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag (second day). There’s a lot of eating, card games, and walking. It all sounds cozy, and it is, but when you’re doing it with strangers in a different language, it can feel isolating. That was probably one of my lowest points during the year.

When the end of the year came, leaving felt incredibly difficult. I had worked so hard to make Germany feel like home; suddenly, it was time to pack up and go. Saying goodbye was harder than I expected. I realized that even if I return to Germany, it may never feel the same as during my exchange year. But I know I want to study abroad again—maybe back in Germany, maybe somewhere new. I want to keep learning and growing.

Now, back in the U.S., I am interning at BridgehouseLaw, where I can use the German I learned and work with German-American clients. I’m learning so much about international law and the connection between our two countries. Even though my exchange year is over, my journey isn’t. It feels like it’s just getting started.

Hanna Lee, Intern, BridgehouseLaw, Charlotte, NC 

Top 3 Contracts Every Small Business Should Have

Whether launching a new startup or growing an established business, having the proper legal documents in place is essential. Contracts don’t just protect you in case something goes wrong; they help set clear expectations and build trust from the start. Here are three essential contracts every small business should consider:

1. Bylaws, Operating Agreement, or Partnership Agreement

If your business has more than one owner, this contract is crucial. It outlines decisions, how profits and losses are shared, and what happens if an owner wants to leave the business. A formal agreement protects everyone’s interests and helps prevent misunderstandings, even if you're working with friends or family.

2. Employment or Independent Contractor Agreement

Hiring help? It’s essential to clarify the scope of work, payment terms, intellectual property rights, confidentiality, and termination terms. These contracts help your business comply with labor laws and protect against misclassification risks.

3. Client or Service Agreement

This is the foundation of any business relationship. A well-drafted service agreement outlines what you’re providing, when it’s being delivered, how payments are handled, and what happens if either party wants to cancel. It also helps avoid disputes by making expectations clear from the beginning.

Every business is unique, and contract needs may vary depending on the industry and goals. Having a trusted legal partner to help draft or review your documents can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

If you have questions about contracts or need help protecting your business, our firm is here to help.

Kelsey Greene, Law Clerk, BridgehouseLaw LLP, Charlotte, NC

image:iStock