This week was nothing short of busy. I had many assignments including a Deposition Summary, research memorandum on Assignment of Benefits, statute compliance of Accountant-Client privilege in Texas and still worked on a good portion of the writing assignment as well.

On Tuesday, we had our first Motion Practice Seminar with partner Dan Gerber where he discussed how to handle oral arguments in the court room, chambers, or on the phone. We were given a packet with information regarding our Motion to Compel to Arbitrate for Friday morning. We had to be able to prepare for both the Plaintiff and the Defense side of the argument. I was paired up with Eric, and Grace and Phoenix battled each other. As the moving party, I went first and I felt so nervous as if I was speaking in front of millions, like I was running for president. Eric went after me and he was just as nervous as I was for some reason. Dan’s first comments were for us to relax and make it an argument. The second time around we did much better. When Dan asked me how I felt after the arguments, I told him it looked like he was staring into my soul with his piercing eyes. I mean literally, he was about two feet away from me with the most serious face I’d ever seen. If I can practice and win him over, then I know I will be able to do good further down the line. As far as my nervousness, I was able to have a brief meeting with him regarding tips that he likes to do when arguing in front of the judge.

On Wednesday, we attended our first Attorneys Luncheon. Partner Sally Culley discussed courtroom practices that she learned from a workshop that she went to with a few judges in Orlando. Then Partner LaShawnda Jackson gave us some information regarding the Dauberthearing that has been reinstated by Florida. On Thursday, Eric and I were able to accompany associate Patrick Delaney on a status hearing where we got the case dismissed. After that, we had our first meeting with Dan Gerber regarding a class action that we are assisting with. On Friday, I was able to go to the CFAWL Luncheon with LaShawnda and experience the association for women lawyers. It was extremely insightful. This week went by extremely fast, probably due to the amount of work and events involved. Nonetheless, I enjoyed every minute of it and look forward to the remaining weeks.