This week put my skills to the next level. I was given a few different drafting assignments on top of new research projects that I was pretty familiar with completing at this point. First, I was given feedback by Dan Gerber on the proposed Order granting our Motion for Partial Summary Judgment that I completed last Friday. Patrick Delaney also asked me to draft a Motion for Final Summary Judgment for failure to join an indispensable party. These were my first two written assignments and HUGE learning curves. Although I understood the substance of what I was supposed to draft for both of these assignments, the hardest part was actually transforming and conveying these thoughts into a strategic and persuasive manner. I learned it’s not only about what you say, but how you say it. In law school, I’m used to writing more neutrally by presenting both sides so being persuasive is going to take some practice.

Our deposition seminar was also this week taught by Orlando partner, Darryl Gavin. I had no clue what went into a deposition, so I was extra excited about this seminar and workshop. Darryl taught us how to depose a witness and went through the basics of depositions, which was very helpful. After the seminar, I was determined to try and watch a real deposition to help me prepare for the workshop on Friday. Not only did I find a deposition to attend, it ended up being almost seven hours! The deposition was for one of partner Dara Jebrock’s construction litigation cases, and Plaintiff’s counsel was deposing our expert witness. I have to say, I learned a ton about waterproof membranes that day! Although an average deposition is not usually seven hours, I’m glad I was able to watch this one because it helped me get an idea of what to expect for the workshop. By the time Friday came, I was feeling prepared to give my own deposition. The workshop went great, and Darryl gave me productive feedback on how to handle a difficult witness that isn’t answering questions directly.

The week also consisted of my first attorney luncheon. A different associate and partner are chosen to give a presentation for every luncheon, and I was glad I was able to attend at least one before I present in July. Although I’ve never been a natural public speaker, I’m thankful there are many opportunities this program offers to become confident in public speaking. In between assignments, I spent more time with various attorneys and got to know them better by attending lunches throughout the week. Week three ended strong, and I’m ready to take on week four!