Career Launch: How Caddying Helped Riley Fisher Land a Job with Snell & Wilmer
Riley Fisher
Intellectual Property Associate Attorney at Snell & Wilmer, Riley shares how caddying at Orchard Lake Country Club and later Birmingham Country Club helped her become an Evans Scholar and land a great job.
Why do you enjoy your job so much?
I’m drawn to intellectual property law because it blends rigorous legal thinking with creativity and problem-solving. Every day presents a new challenge—a different industry, technology, or creative work to understand—and I love the constant innovation it requires. I also value working alongside exceptionally talented and supportive colleagues who challenge me to think in new ways. That combination of intellectual challenge, variety, and teamwork makes this work deeply rewarding.
Snell & Wilmer is a firm with deep roots in the West and more than 500 attorneys, which means I will get to work alongside a wide range of talented professionals and be part of matters that span many industries. I’ll be joining full-time in September of 2026, after working there as an IP Summer Associate this past summer, where I had the chance to work on challenging, high-impact projects and see firsthand the collaborative, client-focused culture that sets the firm apart. That culture, which is grounded in professionalism, preparation, and teamwork, mirrors many of the values I first learned while caddying and continue to carry with me today.
2025 Summer Associate Class at Snell & Wilmer
How did caddying help prepare you for this role?
Caddying taught me both the basics — like how to give a firm handshake, make confident conversation, and present myself professionally — and the more complex skills, such as developing a strong work ethic, adapting to changing conditions, and reading situations quickly. I learned how to anticipate needs before they were voiced and how to remain calm under pressure, whether the challenge was bad weather or a bad round. These same skills are essential in my legal career, where client interactions, negotiations, and high-stakes decision-making demand professionalism, focus, and adaptability. I also grew up caddying with my brother. For as long as I can remember, he has inspired me and pushed me to be a better version of myself. Getting to learn from him and work with him gave me a unique perspective when it came to success on and off the course.
Riley caddying at Birmingham Country Club
Did anyone that you met caddying help you land your job? If so, please explain.
No one I met caddying directly connected me to Snell & Wilmer, but the professionals I met on the course shaped my ambitions and approach to work. Seeing successful people from similar backgrounds showed me what was possible and reinforced the importance of relationships, preparation, and professionalism — values that have been critical to my career development.
Did anyone that you met caddying help you land your job? If so, please explain.
I’ve always admired Gary Woodland. His resilience and positive attitude in the face of adversity are qualities I strive to emulate both professionally and personally. His example reminds me that success isn’t only about skill — it’s about how you respond when challenges arise, a lesson I first learned on the golf course and now apply in my legal career.
What's the best perk of your job?
For me, the best perk of my job is twofold: the people and the innovation. I get to work with brilliant, driven colleagues who challenge me daily and make the work enjoyable, and I have the privilege of being involved in protecting groundbreaking ideas across many industries. Whether it’s a new invention, design, or creative work, it’s exciting to know I’m helping safeguard ideas that could shape the future.
