What does fiduciary law look like in practice? And how do future lawyers learn to analyze real legal problems before they ever set foot in law school?
We recently welcomed a group of Lex Fellows to the dCZ office for a hands-on introduction to trusts, estates, guardianships, and fiduciary litigation. Through a real-world case study, students worked through legal issues, debated possible outcomes, and gained insight into the day-to-day work of attorneys serving families, fiduciaries, and vulnerable individuals — an engaging morning filled with thoughtful questions and a reminder of why mentorship matters.
At del Cuadro-Zimmerman, PLLC, we believe that the future of the legal profession depends on creating meaningful opportunities for students to experience the practice of law beyond the classroom. The Fellows joined us as part of The Lex Fellowship’s Law Immersion Program.
A First Look at Fiduciary Law
The Lex Fellowship is a unique pre-law program that gives college students direct exposure to attorneys, law firms, and real legal problems. Rather than learning about legal careers solely through textbooks or lectures, Fellows spend time inside practicing law firms, meeting attorneys, exploring different areas of law, and analyzing actual cases.
During their visit, the Fellows were introduced to a field many aspiring lawyers have never encountered: fiduciary law. Our Managing Attorney, Judith del Cuadro-Zimmerman, shared insights into the firm’s work representing personal representatives, trustees, guardians, conservators, and other fiduciaries navigating complex legal and personal responsibilities.
Fiduciary cases frequently require attorneys to solve problems that impact real people’s lives, relationships, and futures.
Learning by Doing
Following an introduction to our practice, the Fellows participated in a guided case-analysis exercise based on a real-world scenario. Working alongside Lex Legal Associate Brendon Stern, the students evaluated facts, identified legal issues, debated possible outcomes, and developed recommendations for resolving the dispute.
The exercise mirrored one of the most important skills lawyers develop throughout law school and practice: the ability to analyze complex facts, apply legal principles, and advocate for a position supported by both law and policy.
What impressed us most was the level of engagement. The Fellows asked thoughtful questions, challenged assumptions, and demonstrated genuine curiosity about both the legal process and the professional responsibilities of attorneys. We also spoke candidly about the realities of practicing law — what a typical day looks like, how attorneys manage competing priorities, and the many career paths available within the profession.
Why Mentorship Matters
Programs like The Lex Fellowship play an important role in helping students make informed decisions about law school and legal careers, bridging the gap between academic study and professional practice. We are grateful to the Lex Fellowship team, including City Manager Angella Griffin and Legal Associate Brendon Stern, for coordinating the visit.
Thank you to the Fellows for spending the morning with us. We look forward to seeing where your careers take you — and hope some of you will find your way back to fiduciary law in the future.
