Warrick & Boyn intern Gavin Peachey, encouraged and prepared by his studies at the Elkhart Area Career Center, is well on his way to a promising career in the legal field.
Originally, Warrick & Boyn intern Gavin Peachey—now a senior at Fairfield High School—had designs on a career as a robotics engineer. Always one to pursue his interests with vigor, Gavin spent one year in a robotics program and enjoyed his time studying engineering. That said, his biggest takeaway from robotics was realizing that his heart was set on something entirely different, something more people-focused.
“I was homeschooled until eighth grade, and through my homeschool program, I was able to take part in a mock trial program,” said Gavin, “and I just loved it so much. At first, the excitement was the main appeal—being in court, arguing a case, fighting for the little guy. But as I progressed, I realized that I also loved the day-to-day aspects of the legal field. Becoming someone with a large knowledge base, knowing how to research and even doing a lot of paperwork, all for the sake of helping someone—those are things that drive me. By the time I was in ninth grade, I pretty much knew that the legal field was where I wanted to be.”
Before his junior year at Fairfield High School, Gavin enrolled at the Elkhart Area Career Center—one of the area’s oldest and most established career and technical education schools—to begin his journey toward the legal profession. He completed his first year of studies at the EACC at the top of his class and was thrilled when his internship application was accepted by Warrick & Boyn before his final year at Fairfield.
“Deciding to pursue legal studies through the EACC, and then getting this internship at Warrick and Boyn are the best things that have happened to me in my life,” said Gavin. “As far as the EACC goes, I would recommend that other students look into it. Even if someone doesn’t go into the field they choose to study there, they are going to learn so many valuable life skills that are going to be helpful down the road. As far as working at Warrick and Boyn—it’s hard to put into exact words. It truly motivates me to be around some of the best legal professionals in our area.”
Gavin’s responsibilities at Warrick & Boyn include paperwork and research, and he takes great joy in the opportunity to work on an occasional motion for one of Warrick & Boyn’s lawyers. On top of the legal wisdom he gleans as a Warrick & Boyn intern, Gavin has also learned a great deal about teamwork, team-building, and interpersonal communication.
“I work quite a bit with partners Tim Shelly, Rachel Schnetzler, and Chris Pottratz,” said Gavin, “and one thing that impresses me so much is that everyone I work with is more than just outstanding in their field; they are also very high-quality people. Of course, legal work requires a great deal of intense focus and attention, and I see that every day. But—no matter what they are doing—when I knock on the door and come in to ask a question, or ask for clarification, the lawyers I work with have endless patience to guide me. They always take the time to help me and make me feel like a valued member of the team. I find it inspiring that I have been so welcomed here.”
According to Gavin, he has felt at home at Warrick & Boyn since the first day of his internship.
“I remember feeling somewhat nervous on my first day as an intern, just because it’s something new and you don’t know exactly what to expect or how it will be,” he said. “But from the moment I walked through the door here and got to meet the team, everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. I’m so glad to be here, and to be learning and helping out any way I can. It’s a rewarding feeling, also, because I spent so much time at the EACC during my junior year to learn the ropes and gain basic legal knowledge. And now, a year later, to be putting my knowledge to use in real time is very satisfying.”
Gavin plans to graduate as part of the EACC Pre-Law class of 2026 with a paralegal certificate from Ivy Tech and then attend Indiana University South Bend to earn his degree in psychology. After that, he plans to attend the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law to pursue his law degree and eventually open his own criminal defense practice.
“Criminal defense feels right for me, because I believe everyone always deserves a second chance, no matter what,” said Gavin. “People have rights, that’s the way our legal system works, and everyone has the right for their side of the story to be heard. Everyone deserves a fair shake, and that’s part of the foundational decency of our legal system.”
Concerning his own future, Gavin says he will take several important lessons with him from his time at Warrick & Boyn, including taking some cues from Warrick & Boyn’s emphasis on the importance of community involvement.
“I see how active Tim (Shelly) is with school board meetings, and I see other members of the team spending a lot of time volunteering and being involved in important community initiatives,” said Gavin. “I see that as a great way to give back to the local area and to let people know how much we value our community. The other important lesson I’ll take with me is that you can’t be so serious all of the time. The work is important, of course, and everyone here approaches their work with focus and urgency. But I’ve also learned that it’s alright to enjoy a lighthearted moment, and have some levity, and that it’s good to be kind, patient, and encouraging all the time—even when you’re stressed with a tight deadline and a newbie knocks on your door.”
Keep up the great work, Gavin! We are thrilled that you are a part of the Warrick & Boyn team!