Each summer, Kuiper Law Firm welcomes students into our Summer Associate Program for a firsthand look at the practice of oil and gas law. Through hands-on assignments, mentorship, educational sessions, and opportunities to work alongside our attorneys and staff, the program is designed to help participants build practical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the legal profession. In the reflection below, one of our 2026 summer law clerks shares their experience at Kuiper Law Firm and the lessons, relationships, and professional growth they gained along the way:
I joined Kuiper Law Firm’s summer internship program as a second-year undergraduate student with a basic understanding of land law but limited exposure to the technical aspects of oil and gas law, including title opinions, ownership interest calculations, lease analysis, and legal descriptions. Although I was initially apprehensive, the attorneys, associates, staff and fellow clerks at Kuiper Law Firm quickly created an environment where I felt supported and encouraged to learn. The firm’s open-door culture promoted continuous communication, fostering a collaborative professional environment that values innovation, the exchange of ideas, and inclusivity.
Throughout the summer, a different associate led a daily lesson for the clerks, providing practical instruction on oil and gas law, title examination, and the firm’s diverse practice areas. These lessons were reinforced by worksheets that allowed us to apply newly learned concepts, assess our understanding, and identify areas where further clarification was needed. Another valuable aspect of the program was its mentorship structure. Each summer clerk was paired with a mentor, which provided an opportunity for weekly one-on-one meetings to discuss our progress. Importantly, this mentorship helped me better understand expectations, receive constructive guidance, and build confidence as I took on more substantive assignments during the summer. Outside of the mentorship, questions and conversations were also always encouraged and welcomed by everyone at the firm, creating an atmosphere where learning was genuinely prioritized.
The internship was thoughtfully structured to provide a gradual progression of responsibility. Early assignments focused on smaller projects and administrative legal tasks that established a strong practical foundation. As my knowledge and confidence grew, I was entrusted with more complex work. During my second week, I began a summer-long project involving the consolidation of numerous Drilling Title Opinions. This project required me to use Excel and other applications to organize consolidated data, track information extracted from title opinions, and maintain accuracy across a large volume of legal and ownership-related materials. Additional projects included pre-drafting oil and gas leases, preparing a mock title opinion, and learning how to create a chain-of-title flowchart. Collectively, these assignments strengthened my attention to detail, legal research skills, and ability to analyze complex property and ownership information within the context of oil and gas law.
I especially appreciated the opportunity to contribute to projects that had practical significance within the firm’s oil and gas practice. While the work was often challenging, it provided invaluable insight into the complexities and ambiguities of mineral ownership, title examination, and lease analysis in ways that extended well beyond the classroom and provided valuable exposure to the day-to-day responsibilities of legal professionals. Through this Summer Associate Program, I strengthened my ability to communicate effectively within a team, prioritize assignments, simply learn how to adapt to an office environment, and approach legal work with stronger professionalism. Most crucially, I learned how to balance independent responsibility with collaboration, an essential skill for any future attorney.
The summer program is very well managed, making it an excellent opportunity for other students and graduates interested in pursuing a career in land and oil and gas law. The frequent check-ins from the Head of Human Resources ensured that every clerk felt heard, and I also greatly appreciated the opportunities to build relationships outside of daily work through events such as lunches with the firm’s partners and a Topgolf outing with the Houston office. These experiences helped foster meaningful connections with attorneys and staff while strengthening the collaborative culture that makes the firm unique.
My time at Kuiper Law Firm reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in oil and gas law and confirmed that it is an area in which I hope to continue growing professionally. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunities I received as a summer clerk and for the mentorship, guidance, and professional development that I experienced throughout the program. The knowledge, skills, and relationships I gained during my internship have provided a strong foundation that will continue to benefit me throughout my legal career.
We’re grateful to our summer law clerks for the time, energy, and enthusiasm they brought to Kuiper Law Firm this summer. It was a pleasure to be part of their professional development and to watch their knowledge and confidence grow throughout the program. We appreciate their contributions to the firm and look forward to seeing where their careers take them next.
