Campbell Law Spotlight: Pierce Shipway ’26

Campbell Law School student Pierce Shipway ’26 is a native of Youngsville, who participated in Ward and Smith’s 2025 Summer Associate Program, which ran from May 12 to June 20, gaining practical legal experience from case strategy discussions to writing and research assignments. The following Q&A was originally published on Ward and Smith’s website.

Last year, Shipway helped co-found the American Bar Association Student Judicial Division (ABASJD), a Campbell Law student organization that is the first of its kind in the nation.

Q: What do you like to do in your downtime when you’re not studying?

A: I like to golf and play chess. I have also recently taken up hunting. 

Q: What is your favorite movie? 

A: “The Prestige” by Christopher Nolan.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: “Endurance” by Alfred Lansing. As a general rule, I love learning about Arctic exploration, whether it be stories of those who tried to find the Northwest Passage or traverse Antarctica.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: I appreciate just about every kind of cuisine, but it’s hard to beat a proper pot roast.

Q: Where is your favorite vacation spot?

A: Tuscany and/or Southern Germany. 

Q: If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? 

Chengdu, China – An exchange student from Chengdu lived with my family during high school, and I’ve visited him a number of times since graduating. The food is fantastic and I love the architecture and history.

Q: If you knew you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you pursue?

Circumnavigate the globe on a sailing yacht.

Q: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I am very much a fan of musicals.

Q: Why do you want to be an attorney?

I hope to have a profession in which the prospect of failure is real. I would like to feel challenged and know that my actions have tangible consequences.

Q: What sparked your interest in law?

I appreciate that the profession places a premium on oral and written persuasion.

Q: What are you most excited to learn during your time here at Ward and Smith?

The specific stages and tasks involved in litigating cases

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Winning cases and returning to a home that has a pond big enough for me to fish.

Q: What’s the best advice someone has given you?

Never spend the principal.

Q: Describe yourself in three words.

Loyal, Sincere, and Motivated.

Q: If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

I like to think it’d be for something I wrote.

Q: Western or Eastern barbecue? And, why?

Eastern. I appreciate the simplicity, acidity, and how well it pairs with slaw.

Q: If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would the slogan be?

“It may not be your fault, but it is your responsibility.”

The Ward and Smith 2025 Summer Associate Program ends on June 20. Learn more about it here: https://www.wardandsmith.com/careers/law-students.