Meet the Future of Law: Naman Howell’s 2026 Summer Associates - Second 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.
Annette Addo-Yobo
Annette Addo-Yobo is a Rising 2L at the Texas Tech University School of Law. She earned a BS in Psychology and Child Learning & Development, with a minor in Criminology, from The University of Texas at Dallas. She later earned an MA in Clinical Psychology from Sam Houston State University and an MBA from Lamar University. Annette wants to practice business and complex commercial litigation, because it demands both precision and persuasion. One must understand the deal, the dispute, and the doctrine well enough to tell a coherent story to a judge or jury. Law school is where she builds that foundation to be a strong advocate who represents everyday people working to make a better impact on their community. She serves as Vice President of the Sports & Entertainment Law Society, Attorney General of the Southwest Black Law Student Association, and Events Co-Chair of the Black Law Student Association.
Grace Aguirre
Grace Aguirre is a Rising 3L at the University of Houston Law Center. She earned a BS in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. Grace’s decision to pursue law was driven by a passion for lifelong learning and the intellectual rigor demanded by a field in constant evolution. She believes that the complexity of legal practice requires a steadfast commitment to remaining at the forefront of evolving standards and emerging developments. Beyond the technical challenges, Grace is deeply drawn to the collaborative nature of the profession. Working alongside experts across diverse specialties provides an invaluable opportunity to engage with unique perspectives, continuously expanding her own knowledge and approach to the practice. She serves as a University of Houston Law Center Ambassador and is an ADR member.
Lucas Bitter
Lucas Bitter is a Rising 3L at St. Mary's University School of Law. He received his BBA in Management Pre-Law from Texas A&M University, with a minor in Sport Management. Lucas originally found a passion for practicing law, because ever since he was young, he has always enjoyed being an advocate for others. He decided to go to law school after taking multiple pre-law classes in undergrad with a specific adjunct professor who reaffirmed his interest in law. Lucas is a member of the Aggie Bar Association, St. Mary's Law Journal, and St. Mary's Law Society for Sports, Entertainment, & Media.
Carmen Chao
Carmen Chao is a Rising 3L at the University of Houston Law Center. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Houston with a BS in Political Science and a minor in Law, Values and Policy. Carmen loves being a problem solver and useful to solving an issue. She serves as Treasurer for the Association of Women in Law at the University of Houston Law Center.
Vanessa Free
Vanessa Free is a Rising 3L at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Oklahoma with a BS in Psychology and later earned an MLS in Healthcare Law. After taking the MCAT, she decided to pursue a Master’s in Legal Studies, where she fell in love with the law, and realized it was the right career path for herself. Vanessa wants to practice law, because she enjoys solving complex problems and helping clients navigate important challenges. Vanessa serves as a Daugherty Moot Court Director on the Board of Advocates, an Assistant Managing Editor of the Oklahoma Law Review, and a member of an interscholastic traveling competition team. She is also a member of the First-Generation Law Student Association, the OU Law Students of Texas, and the Organization for the Advancement of Women in Law.
Miguel Garcia
Miguel Garcia is a Rising 3L at St. Mary’s University School of Law. He earned a BA in Economics from Trinity University, with a minor in Business Administration Legal Studies. Miguel chose law school in part because both of his parents are lawyers in Mexico, which exposed him to the legal profession from an early age. As he learned more about the practice of law, he became particularly interested in litigation, because it combines analytical problem-solving, legal writing, and strategy. His internship experiences in both state and federal courts have further strengthened that interest and provided him with valuable insight into the litigation process.
Karrington Hall
Karrington Hall is a Rising 3L at the University of Texas School of Law. She graduated with high honors from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Educational Psychology. Karrington did not plan to go to law school until she took an elective constitutional law course in undergrad. She thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of reading Supreme Court cases and the satisfaction of understanding difficult legal concepts. Therefore, she chose to go to law school, because she wanted a career that allowed her the opportunity to challenge herself in the same way. She served as the 2025-2026 Pro Bono Chair of the Thurgood Marshall Legal Society, and the 2025-2026 Articles Editor and the 2024-2025 Staff Editor of the Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights.
Ashley Morehouse
Ashley Morehouse is a Rising 3L at the Baylor University School of Law. She graduated magna cum laude with a BS in Law and Policy from Liberty University and later earned an MBA in Finance. Ashley was first drawn to the legal field, because she saw firsthand what can happen in civil cases when people don't have access to adequate legal representation. Then, when she began taking law-related courses in undergrad, Ashley discovered she was truly passionate about the law and could not imagine herself doing anything else. She loves the ability to serve others while also being challenged intellectually each day. She is a member of the Entrepreneurship Clinic, Student Wellness Organization, Christian Legal Society, and Moot Court Team.
Sarah Payne
Sarah Payne is a rising 3L at the Texas A&M University School of Law. She earned a BS in Advertising from the University of North Texas, with a minor in Social Sciences. Sarah chose to pursue law school to have a positive impact, and to do something that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
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.
