Four Students Selected for Henderson Franklin’s 2026 Summer Associate Class

The law firm of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to welcome four law students to its 2026 Summer Associate Program: Gabrielle D’Ippolito, Alexandra Hilton, Claire Martin, and Katelyn O’Halloran.

“Having participated in Henderson Franklin’s Summer Associate Program myself, I understand firsthand the impact it can have on a law student’s professional development,” said stockholder Kayla Richmond, Chair of Henderson Franklin’s 2026 Summer Associate Program. “The program provides valuable opportunities to learn from experienced attorneys, gain practical legal experience, and build relationships that can last throughout a legal career. Through mentorship, practical experience, and meaningful interaction with our attorneys, clients, and the local legal community, we strive to give each summer associate a true understanding of what it means to be a lawyer. We are thrilled to welcome Claire, Gabrielle, Alexandra, and Katelyn and look forward to being part of their professional journey.”

The firm’s Summer Associate Program is designed to provide law students with meaningful exposure to the practice of law while introducing them to the firm’s attorneys, culture, clients, and the Southwest Florida community. Participants work alongside Henderson Franklin attorneys on legal research, drafting assignments, client matters, court proceedings, and other aspects of daily practice. As part of the program, summer associates also participate in a legal writing course taught by a member of the judiciary for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, providing valuable insight into effective legal writing and advocacy. Each summer associate is also paired with an attorney mentor to help guide their professional development.

Gabrielle D’Ippolito, of Gulfport, Florida, is pursuing her Juris Doctor at Stetson University College of Law, where she serves as Notes & Comments Editor for the Business Law Review. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, from College of the Holy Cross. Gabrielle previously served as a legal intern with the Florida Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division and completed internships with the offices of Congresswoman Kathy Castor in both Washington, D.C., and Florida.

Alexandra Hilton, a Fort Myers native, is pursuing her Juris Doctor at Stetson University College of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance, summa cum laude, from Southeastern University, where she was recognized as Most Outstanding in Major and served in student leadership roles. Prior to law school, Hilton worked in regulatory compliance with Raymond James and gained valuable legal experience as a paralegal focusing on trusts and estates matters with a Southwest Florida law firm.

Claire Martin is a native of Zanesville, Ohio, and is pursuing her Juris Doctor at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, summa cum laude, from Walsh University, where she also competed as an NCAA Division II Track and Field student-athlete. At Ave Maria, Martin serves as an Admissions Ambassador and Research Assistant. Her legal experience includes a judicial internship with the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, as well as internships with the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office and Stark County Prosecutor’s Office in Ohio.

Katelyn O’Halloran, of Fort Myers, Florida, is pursuing her Juris Doctor at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Florida State University, graduating with honors. O’Halloran brings a diverse background in legal services, real estate, and marketing, including experience as a summer intern with a Fort Myers personal injury law firm and marketing roles supporting businesses throughout Florida. She is also a licensed Florida realtor.

Henderson Franklin has been an integral part of shaping Southwest Florida’s landscape for over a century. The firm’s dedicated team of attorneys offers a full spectrum of legal services, including business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and trust litigation, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, land use and environmental law and more. With offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples, Henderson Franklin continues to serve as a trusted partner for individuals and businesses throughout the region, carrying a legacy that goes beyond the courtroom. For more information on Henderson Franklin’s Summer Association program visit https://www.henlaw.com/careers/summer-associate-program/.