MBG is proud to introduce its summer associates for 2023. We’re grateful to them for sharing their talents with us.
Kate Gehling
Hometown
Plymouth, MN
Education
BA (Harvard College, 2019)
JD (University of Chicago Law School, expected 2024)
What drew you to MBG?
I wanted to spend my summer working on complex public interest litigation and was excited about the range of cases that MBG takes on. When I met everyone at MBG, I was floored by their collegiality and commitment to public interest lawyering—it felt like a great place to work and learn!
In your first few weeks at MBG, what has surprised you most about practicing law?
The extent to which the attorneys’ roles go beyond the work that is strictly legal. The attorneys I’ve worked with at MBG are constantly thinking about the broader goals and ethos of their practice and how to communicate with and support the people they represent.
What book is currently on your nightstand?
Babel by R.F. Kuang
What’s your favorite thing about Chicago in the summer?
The lake and my local farmer’s market! My ideal Sunday is getting a coffee and pastry from the farmer’s market, then spending the day lakeside.
Aly Kersley
Hometown
Toronto
Education
AB (Princeton University, 2019)
MSc (Oxford University, 2021)
JD (Harvard Law School, 2024)
What drew you to MBG?
I was drawn to MBG because of the firm’s commitment to public interest litigation, and the wide range of cases that MBG takes on. All the attorneys I spoke with seemed deeply committed to doing work that improves the lives of the communities we work with, and I was excited by the prospect of learning about several different areas of law. And everyone was incredibly kind!
In your first few weeks at MBG, what has surprised you most about practicing law?
I’ve been most surprised by how many details I’ve learned about the industries involved in our litigation, and the science behind the claims we bring. It’s been incredibly exciting to build entirely new sets of knowledge related to each case I’ve been able to work on.
What book is currently on your nightstand?
Whenever I travel, I bring one of Alice Munro’s collections of short stories with me. This summer, it’s The Lives of Girls and Women.
What’s your favorite thing about Chicago in the summer?
The lake! Swimming before work and on weekends has been a highlight of my summer so far.
Larkin Levine
Hometown
San Anselmo, California
Education
BA (Washington University in St. Louis, 2021)
JD (Stanford Law School, expected 2024)
What drew you to MBG?
When I first began to research MBG, I was immediately drawn to the firm’s long history of civil rights advocacy and lasting commitment to public interest lawyering. When I spoke to MBG lawyers, I was impressed by their kindness, commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment, and willingness to take on cases in a variety of different practice areas.
In your first few weeks at MBG, what has surprised you most about practicing law?
I have been most surprised by how involved MBG attorneys are with every aspect of their cases. While partners at many firms delegate tasks like document review to associates, MBG partners and associates work together at all stages of litigation.
What book is currently on your nightstand?
1984 by George Orwell and Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer.
What’s your favorite thing about Chicago in the summer?
The Lakefront Trail and the Riverwalk!