HGD Law Firm recently had the privilege of welcoming three seniors from Vestavia Hills High School for a hands-on Shadow Career Day at its Birmingham office. Students Caitlyn Webster-Roberts, Colbie Holley, and Namira Rubaiyath spent the morning immersed in the day-to-day operations of a leading personal injury and mass tort law firm, gaining valuable insight into both legal careers and the many professional paths that support client advocacy.
For HGD, hosting students is about more than career exposure—it’s about leadership, mentorship, and investing in the future of the community the firm serves.
A Warm Welcome Rooted in Leadership
The day began with a welcome from Erik Heninger, Partner at HGD Law Firm, who set the tone for the experience by sharing the firm’s mission, values, and commitment to client-centered representation. Erik spoke about what it means to practice law with integrity, respect, and excellence—and why building strong teams matters just as much as winning cases.
He also emphasized that law firms are people-driven organizations. Every role, from attorneys to operations and client communication, plays a part in helping injured individuals navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Meeting the Team Behind the Work
Students were introduced to a cross-section of the HGD team who helped lead activities throughout the day, including:
- Mary Ashton Byrd, Head of HR and Culture
- Catherine Davis, Marketing and Client Communication
- Tzena Gauldin, Director of Operations
- Luke Huffstutler, Paralegal
- Jay Stewart, Partner
Through interactive sessions and conversations, students learned how each department contributes to the overall client journey—from the first phone call to case resolution.
Inside a Real Personal Injury Law Firm
To make the experience engaging and accessible, the HGD team designed interactive activities such as an office tour and scavenger hunt, law-themed games, and open discussions about how civil law differs from criminal law. Students explored the difference between plaintiff and defense roles and learned about the types of cases HGD handles, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and complex mass tort litigation.
One of the most impactful moments of the day came during a session led by Jay Stewart, Partner, who walked students through how attorneys interact with real cases. Jay explained how cases are evaluated, what attorneys are responsible for on a day-to-day basis, and how legal strategy evolves as facts develop.
Understanding Attorney–Client Communication
Jay also focused on one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of legal practice: communication with clients. He shared how attorneys keep clients informed, explain complex legal issues in understandable terms, and balance legal work with empathy and responsiveness.
For students, this offered a realistic look at what it means to be an attorney beyond courtroom scenes and television portrayals. They saw firsthand that personal injury law is deeply people-focused and requires strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Exploring Career Paths Beyond Attorneys
Another key takeaway from the day was learning that a successful law firm is built on many different careers. Students were introduced to roles in operations, marketing, client communication, HR, and paralegal work—each essential to delivering the white-glove service HGD is known for.
This broader view helped students understand that there are many ways to build a meaningful career in the legal field, even for those who may not plan to attend law school.
Why Mentorship Matters to HGD
Working with students aligns closely with HGD’s leadership-oriented culture. By opening its doors to local high school students, the firm hopes to demystify the legal profession and show young people what a professional, values-driven workplace looks like.
Exposure at this stage can help students make more informed decisions about education and career paths, while also reinforcing the importance of professionalism, teamwork, and service.
Ending the Day With Connection
The experience concluded with lunch at Paramount, giving students and team members time to continue conversations in a relaxed setting. Questions ranged from college plans to work-life balance, offering students candid insights from professionals at different stages of their careers.
A Lasting Takeaway
By the end of the day, students were able to see how collaborative, fast-paced, and people-centered the work truly is. For HGD, the takeaway was equally meaningful: when firms invest time in mentorship and education, everyone benefits.
HGD Law Firm is proud to partner with local schools like Vestavia Hills High School and looks forward to continuing opportunities that support students, strengthen the community, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
