Washburn Law Student Adeel Syed Shares His Externship Experience

Syed’s Motto: Carpe Diem!

Carpe diem defines Adeel Syed’s approach to his education during the past two years at Washburn Law. Syed, J.D. Candidate, ’15, has “seized the day” by participating in many opportunities the law school has offered outside of the classroom to enhance his legal education and practical training.

Following his second year at Washburn Law, Syed interned over the summer as an associate in the Wichita office of Foulston Siefkin, LLP—Kansas’ largest law firm. He assisted the attorneys in resolving complex legal issues for clients and learned more about the practice of law than can be taught in a classroom. “The law firm emphasizes helping summer associates improve their legal writing skills and become prepared to represent future clients,” said Syed.

Syed ended his summer as an extern at Chevron U.S.A. Inc., in Houston. He helped the highly experienced oil and gas attorneys resolve legal questions and disputes and assisted with drafting contract provisions. A memorable part of Syed’s externship included visiting a production site where a well was being drilled to produce natural gas. “Observing the actual drilling operations and talking to the people in the field helped me in my quest to become a practical and knowledgeable attorney,” commented Syed. 

Washburn Law’s Oil and Gas Law Center has been an integral part of Syed’s educational experience. As a result of his academic achievements, Syed was awarded a Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation Scholarship, the Joe Rudd Scholarship, and an Energy and Mineral Law Foundation Scholarship this past year. Syed shared, “This would not have been possible without the direction, guidance, and support of my professors.”

“Washburn University School of Law is not just another law school,” said Syed. “Every single person here—Dean Romig, the associate deans, professors, and staff—is dedicated to one thing only: the success of every student. Students who make the effort to succeed will find lifelong friends, colleagues, and mentors at Washburn Law. It is the school’s dedication to student success that helped me accomplish what I did this summer.”