Chazz Estelle | Associate | San Diego
It felt like a conversation – not an interview.
During law school I explored a wide range of potential paths – public service, prosecution, Big Law. When I interviewed with Fisher Phillips through OCI, what stood out immediately was how different the process felt. It wasn’t scripted or formal but felt like a real conversation. The attorneys genuinely wanted to know who I was, what I cared about, and whether San Diego and employment law would be the right fit.
The summer program picked up right where the interview left off.
I loved my summer experience here. From day one, the message was clear: meet people, ask questions, say yes to opportunities. Partners and senior associates kept reminding – “knock on our doors, bother us, get to know us.” Once I got past that initial hesitation, I realized they meant it. Everyone was approachable, open, and invested in helping us learn. The program also struck the right balance between work and connection. We had team-building events, office outings, and plenty of informal time together.
I felt like part of the team, not just a summer.
The work itself was substantive and intentional. I handled legal research, participated in a major e-discovery project on an important case, and learned tools like Relativity for the first time. Reviewing thousands of documents wasn’t glamorous, but it was real, meaningful work. When I flagged key documents, partners followed up. We talked through strategy. I could see how my work fit into the bigger picture. I also attended depositions and sat in on matters I expressed interest in. If you raised your hand, the opportunities came.
Support here is real and continuous.
The support carried over once I joined full-time. I’ve worked on class actions, PAGA matters, audits, motions, and client presentations. The learning curve is steep, but I’ve always felt supported by partners, senior associates, and office leadership. What stands out most is how intentional the firm is about development. If you say what you want to work on, people listen – and they follow through.
Own your career – and the support follows.
My advice to law students considering Fisher Phillips is simple: be ready to own your career. The culture here is incredibly supportive, but you have to speak up about what you want to learn and where you want to grow. If you do, the firm will meet you there. That combination – real responsibility, real people, and real support – is what makes Fisher Phillips different.
