BW News - BrownWinick Law Firm

BrownWinick Welcomes Thirteen Law Students to the 2026 Summer Associate Program

Written by BrownWinick | Jun 8, 2026 6:25:06 PM

BrownWinick is proud to welcome thirteen talented law students to the firm’s 2026 Summer Associate Program. This program offers law students the benefit of working at a full-service law firm while providing the personal attention more characteristic of a smaller firm. Lawyers at all levels work closely with the summer associates to involve them in the cases and transactions they work on. Throughout the summer, our summer associates often attend client meetings, help prepare witnesses for their testimony at trial, and attend depositions, hearings and trials.

"We're thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of students joining us for the summer," remarked Brian McCormac, Chair of the Recruitment Committee. "Our summer program promises an enriching journey, where students will engage in dynamic projects spanning diverse practice areas, equipping them for their post-law school endeavors. Our firm also facilitates social gatherings and collaborative exercises that showcase the community of Des Moines, fostering camaraderie among peers and deepening their connection to our culture."

Learn more about our Summer Associate Program here and get to know this year’s group of summer associates below.

Audrey Gruss – 2L

Audrey was drawn to law school because of the versatility of a law degree and the academic challenge it provides. She is particularly interested in Estate Planning and Employment law. Outside of academics, Audrey enjoys attending concerts and cooking meals for friends.

 

Bryant Agre – 2L

Bryant pursued a law degree because he enjoys solving problems and connecting with people. His primary interests include Estate Planning and M&A/Corporate. Outside of law school, Bryant enjoys working out, watching movies, spending time with friends, and long-distance running. He has already completed a marathon and hopes to run another after law school.

 

Christian Elmer – 2L

Christian chose to pursue law because he was drawn to helping people solve complex problems through analytical thinking and practical legal solutions. Influenced early on by his father’s legal career, he developed a strong appreciation for the profession and an interest in transactional and planning work. His practice interests include Wills, Trusts & Estates, Business Succession Planning, Taxation, Real Estate, and Business Law. Outside of work and academics, Christian enjoys strength training, skiing, traveling, and spending time with his wife. He has visited all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 countries.

 

Jack Seifried – 1L

After beginning his career in sales and working in both corporate and startup environments, Jack realized he wanted to pursue a career that would allow him to make a meaningful impact while combining his interests in business and law. His primary interests include Business and Corporate Law, Estate Planning, and Real Estate. Outside of law school, Jack enjoys cheering on Philadelphia and Penn State sports teams, exploring restaurants and bars, hiking, golfing, and spending time with his dog, Meadow.

 

Josie Fleishmann – 2L

Josie’s interest in law grew while studying accounting at Iowa State University, where she discovered a stronger passion for the legal side of business. Her interests include Business and Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, Tax, and Construction Law. Outside of school, Josie enjoys spending time with friends, walking her dog, yoga, and going to Mexican restaurants.

 

Kate Muller – 1L

Kate’s path to law school began after she became certified as an EMT and studied healthcare ethics during her undergraduate years. Those experiences sparked her interest in the legal and regulatory aspects of healthcare and innovation. Her practice interests include Intellectual Property, Healthcare, Employment/Labor Law, and Real Estate. Outside of law school, Kate enjoys long-distance running, pickleball, Iowa basketball, and country music. After living in Nashville for four years, she is excited to return to Des Moines and work alongside the team at BrownWinick. She has completed five half marathons and hopes to run one in each of the 50 states.

 

Lucas Miller – 2L

Lucas was inspired to pursue law after watching his family’s feedlot evolve into a full-fledged business entity that relied heavily on property, agricultural, and business law. His primary interests include Food & Agribusiness and Business & Corporate Law. Outside of academics, Lucas enjoys balancing physical and mental challenges through fitness, outdoor projects, and history podcasts. He enjoys hands-on work such as building fences, pouring concrete, and woodworking projects. Lucas also served at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq during his military service.

 

Neve Oettinger – 1L

Neve pursued law school with a passion for advocacy and a belief that education and the law are foundational to society. Her interests include Business Transactions, Real Estate, Estate Planning, and Trademarks & Copyright. Outside of school, Neve enjoys running, yoga, cooking, scrapbooking, traveling, and following the NHL. She has lived internationally in New Zealand, London, and Italy. She is currently training for a half marathon.

 

Samantha Johnson – 2L

Samantha viewed law school as a natural extension of her strengths in reading, writing, and analysis, paired with a desire to make a meaningful impact through advocacy. Her practice interests are Real Estate, Corporate, Estate Planning & Energy. Outside of law school, Samantha enjoys trying new workout classes, watching F1, and drinking plenty of coffee.

 

Sydney Gabriel – 1L

Sydney chose law school because of her passion for helping others and making legal representation more accessible. She enjoys building relationships, hearing people’s stories, and helping others work toward their goals. Her interests include Employment, Government & Regulatory, Real Estate, Energy, Litigation, Immigration, and Business Transactions. Outside of school, Sydney enjoys exploring local coffee shops, hiking, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family. Over the past four years, she has lived in four different states.

 

Taylor Hoffman – 2L

Taylor pursued law school because she enjoys intellectual challenges and helping others. Her interests primarily focus on Estate Planning and corporate transactional work. Outside of school, Taylor enjoys gardening, painting, reading, volleyball, tennis, and walks with her husband. She previously worked as a legal assistant at BrownWinick and currently participates in a recreational volleyball league during the summers. Taylor is also the proud owner of three cats.

 

Thea Rotto – 1L

Thea chose to pursue law because she enjoys intellectually engaging work and values building meaningful client relationships while helping others achieve their goals. Her interests include Trusts & Estates and transactional work. Outside of class, Thea stays active through pickleball, volleyball, and running. Growing up around dogs, pigs, goats, and other animals helped foster her lifelong love for animals.

 

Tyler Williams – 2L

Tyler pursued law school because of his interest in helping businesses navigate complex issues and develop practical legal solutions that support organizational goals. His interests include M&A, General Corporate, Healthcare, and Tax law. Outside of law school, Tyler enjoys golfing and following his favorite sports teams.

BrownWinick looks forward to supporting the professional development of these future attorneys while continuing to invest in the next generation of legal talent.

Click here to learn more about careers at BrownWinick.