Mentorship Across Generations: St. Mary’s Alumnae Network Creates Opportunities

For Cam Hart ’23, St. Mary’s was more than an unparalleled education; it was the beginning of a lifelong journey. As an alumna, she attended a St. Mary’s alumnae gathering and left with more than a few new friends – she left with a job. 

Last winter, Cam met Claire Arnett Sumner ’05 at the Atlanta Alumnae Gathering, which was a chance for older and younger alumnae to connect over their shared experiences at St. Mary’s. 

They connected over Claire’s job as an attorney and Cam’s interest in law, and worked out a job opportunity for Cam to get experience in the field. 

This summer, Cam worked as a legal intern for Claire at Lueder, Larkin & Hunter. Claire is a partner in the Buckhead office, where she focuses primarily on general liability and healthcare defense. Specifically, Cam helped draft pleadings, track down documents, and support attorneys as they craft their case. 
  
“Cam did a lot of work as a liaison between our office and the police department, obtaining documents and investigative material,” Claire said. 

Through this experience, Cam learned more about the legal process and different applications of the law. 

“It was such an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in her legal field,” Cam said. “This summer was full of learning and experiencing something new.”

Claire loved having another St. Mary’s girl in the office because of Cam’s work ethic and willingness to take on a new challenge. 

“There was no job too big or too small that she was not willing to do,” Claire said. “I think St. Mary’s taught us to value any opportunity, and that there’s always something to be obtained out of whatever the experience is.” 

Over the summer, Claire also recognized Cam’s natural curiosity, which is consistent with a St. Mary’s education. 

“She was eager to learn and wanted to not only do the task, but also understand why. She would ask ‘What do we think these medical records are going to show? Why are they so important to the case?’” Claire said. “That innate curiosity is something that St. Mary’s girls have.”

Claire credits St. Mary’s with giving her the skills and knowledge necessary to be in the position she is today. 

"St. Mary’s made me who I am and able to juggle it all, with the confidence to know that I can do it," Claire said. 

“St. Mary’s made me who I am and able to juggle it all, with the confidence to know that I can do it. I can be a mom. I can have a demanding, full-time career, and I can try cases and speak with confidence in a courtroom,” Claire said. “St. Mary’s made me believe in myself and that I can do this job or any job.”

Overall, Claire and Cam had a successful summer as two Turkeys reunited beyond the halls of the school. 

“I’m so grateful to Claire for her mentorship and guidance and to St. Mary’s for cultivating a community of alumnae that uplift each other in our careers and lives,” Cam said.  

 

Written by Wallis Rogin ’25