Meet the Future of Law: Naman Howell’s 2026 Summer Associates - First Half
Naman Howell is proud to invest in the next generation of attorneys through its Summer Associate Program, offering law students meaningful mentorship, hands-on legal experience, and professional development opportunities across our offices in Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Waco. Summer Associates begin with a two-day training focused on firm culture, legal technology, billing procedures, HIPAA policies, and professional skills, then continue learning through weekly attorney-led lunch-and-learn sessions covering both legal topics and workplace development. Throughout the summer, associates work alongside attorneys on active cases and real-world legal projects, gaining practical experience across multiple practice areas while building the skills needed to succeed as future legal professionals.
Morgan Dawson
Morgan Dawson is a rising 3L at Baylor University School of Law, where she is the Social Media Chair for the Black Law Students Association, participates in Baylor Public Interest Law, and holds a barrister officer position in Baylor’s Barrister Society. She earned her BS in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. Morgan’s interest in law began early through stories shared by her father, a homicide detective, but it was her experience interning in the Texas House of Representatives that solidified her path to law school. Inspired by the impact a female attorney and Representative had on her community, Morgan decided she wanted to pursue a legal career focused on meaningful change. Outside of law school, she enjoys cooking, experimenting with Pinterest recipes, reading romance and thriller novels, and listening to true crime podcasts. Morgan also has a pit bull named Nova and counts attending Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour — and appearing in the concert film — as one of her favorite fun facts.
Pete Geigle
Pete Geigle is a rising 3L at Baylor University School of Law and earned his BA in Near Ancient Eastern Studies from Brigham Young University. He is actively involved in the J. Reuben Clark Law Society and Christian Legal Society. Pete pursued law school because of his desire to help people and make a positive impact through his work. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching sports, singing, playing the piano and guitar, and birdwatching. One unique fact about Pete is that he lived in Brazil for two years, an experience that broadened his perspective and interests.
Hunter Kovacev
Hunter Kovacev is a rising 3L at Texas Tech University School of Law after earning his BS in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University. At Texas Tech, he participates in the Moot Court Board, Expungement Clinic, Christian Legal Society, Sports and Entertainment Law Society, and the Privacy Intellectual Property Student Association. Hunter has always been interested in the law and was drawn to the profession because it combines his passion for legal issues with the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Outside of school, he enjoys reading and playing basketball, even if he jokes that he is “not very good” at it. Hunter and his wife also enjoy spending time with their one-year-old daughter, Olivia, and caring for their two kittens, Peanut and Chloe.
Kara Lee
Kara Lee is a rising 2L at Texas A&M University School of Law and earned her BBA in Criminal Justice from Texas State University. She serves as a Student Representative for the Student Bar Association and is involved with First-Generation Aggies and the Tarrant County Bar Association. Kara has wanted to attend law school since high school and dedicated herself to achieving that goal because of her love for critical thinking, reading, and problem solving. She hopes to use those skills to serve her community through the legal profession. Outside of academics, Kara enjoys hiking, reading, playing board games, and participating in slow-pitch softball.
Joseph Montanaro
Joseph Montanaro is a rising 3L at Texas A&M University School of Law, where he is a member of the Texas A&M Board of Advocates and DFW Big Brothers Big Sisters. He earned his BA in History from the University of Colorado Boulder. Joseph chose law school because he wanted a professional career that would allow him to positively impact society. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, running, and hiking. One of his most interesting fun facts is that he has jumped out of an airplane 45 times.
Grant Schoen
Grant Schoen is a rising 3L at Arizona State University College of Law and earned his BS in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. He is involved in the Law, Science & Technology Program with a concentration in AI, the Indian Legal Program, Native American Law Students Association, Real Estate Law Society, and the Corporate and Business Law Society. This fall, he will also serve as a Staff Writer for the Arizona State Law Journal. Schoen’s interest in law grew from his competitive athletic background and fascination with business strategy and operations. A mentor who worked as an attorney ultimately helped him see firsthand how lawyers play a key role in important business decisions, inspiring him to pursue the profession. Outside of law school, Grant enjoys exercising, reading, snowboarding, camping, cooking, and playing sports including golf, football, baseball, and basketball. He also shares the unique distinction of having a twin sister.
Kam Schultz
Kam Schultz is a rising 3L at Texas Tech University School of Law after earning his BA in Economics and Government & Law from Lafayette College. He is highly involved on campus as a member of the Texas Tech Law Review, National Moot Court Team, National Negotiations Team, Board of Barristers, and Federalist Society. Before law school, Kam served as a military intelligence officer in the United States Army, an experience that shaped his discipline and leadership skills. He was drawn to law because of the intellectual challenge and the opportunity to continuously learn about new subjects and specialties. In his free time, Kam enjoys playing baseball, swimming, and camping.
Makayla Lee Slater
Makayla Lee Slater is a rising 3L at St. Mary’s University School of Law and earned her BS in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. She is actively involved with Student Veterans of America, the Women’s Law Association, First Gen Professionals, the St. Mary’s National Trial Team, and the International Moot Court Team. As a veteran, Makayla believes practicing law allows her to continue fighting for what she believes in and advocating for others within the legal system. Outside of law school, she enjoys golf, disc golf, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and dancing. Makayla is also a black belt in Chun-Ku-do and Tae-kwon-do, with Chuck Norris serving as her Grandmaster. She has two cats, Cinderella and Gabriella.
Kelsey Taylor
Kelsey Taylor is a rising 3L at Texas Tech University School of Law and earned her BA in English with a concentration in Literature from the University of Houston. She will serve as the Editor-in-Chief of Volume III for the Journal of Technology, Law and Society and also tutors 1L Contracts students while competing on the international humanitarian law team. Kelsey chose law school because she values working with people and enjoys solving complex problems, both of which align naturally with the legal profession. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, practicing yoga and Pilates, and reading. A former semi-competitive equestrian, Kelsey is also proudly left-handed. Her family includes two dogs, a maltipoo named MaiTai and a lab-mix named Mufasa.
Brooke Thoendel
Brooke Thoendel is a rising 3L at Texas A&M University School of Law after earning degrees in Business Administration and Political Science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is a member of the Journal of Property Law, serves as Symposium Editor for the Sports Law Society, and acts as Vice President Admissions Ambassador for the Alternative Dispute Resolution team. Brooke’s passion for law began early after reading Nancy Drew books in grade school and admiring her father’s career as an attorney. Her love for reading and problem solving continued to reinforce her decision to pursue law school. Outside of academics, Brooke enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and watching sports, especially football, hockey, and professional dirt bike racing. She also has a labradoodle named Winston.
Jay Winbush
Jay Winbush is a rising 3L at the University of Texas School of Law and holds a BA in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University as well as an MA in Sociology from Arizona State University. He is involved with the Thurgood Marshall Legal Society, Texas Business Law Society, and Law Students for Black Lives. Jay pursued law school because he wanted to develop the skills necessary to make a difference in his family, community, and country, believing that the law is one of the greatest tools against injustice. Outside of law school, Jay enjoys reading, working out, taking long morning walks, and visiting art museums. One of his most memorable fun facts is that he once sang on national television.
To learn more about the Naman Howell Summer Associates Program, please visit the website HERE.
About Naman Howell Smith & Lee, PLLC
Since 1917, Naman Howell Smith & Lee has provided individuals and businesses throughout Texas with the personal attentiveness and expertise they need on their legal matters when they need it most. We pride ourselves on our heritage, vision, and exceptional results. For more information about Naman Howell, please visit namanhowell.com.
