This was one of the busiest weeks this summer as far as events and workshops go!
On Monday, I spent much of the morning preparing for our deposition workshop with partner Skip Eubanks. Skip is so much fun. He really enjoyed giving us a hard time acting as our deponent during the workshop. It was helpful practice since in reality you never know how the witness/deponent will act, and I learned a lot from the practice and feedback.
On Tuesday, we were formally introduced to the mock trial. It is exciting that we get to engage in a mock trial because it is unlike anyone else’s summer experience. I have not done Moot Court or Trial Team, so I am especially thrilled for the opportunity to practice a trial in a court room setting before “the real thing.” I spent the day working on various projects, including a research assignment for associate Sara Kallop regarding spoliation motions. Later I sat in on a mediation with associate Samendio Mathieu. Spoiler alert: the case didn’t settle that day, but I enjoyed listening to both parties’ positions, as well as witnessing and discussing the classic negotiations styles and strategies I learned so much about during my last semester.
On Wednesday, Coleman and I attended partner Steve Klein’s presentation on product liability at Barry University School of Law. Steve really made the topic engaging and practical, and the students had thoughtful questions. Afterwards, Steve took us to Hawkers, an Asian fusion restaurant. The food was excellent and we appreciated the opportunity to chat with Steve and ask for advice and tips. My favorite part if the day was learning about the history of the firm and its legacy of product liability work, and about Steve’s experience at the firm from his first year out of law school until the present day. I’m not surprised that Steve is in it for the long haul with RumbergerKirk—it’s a supportive environment with rewarding work and wonderful people, what’s not to like? While on the topic of favorite parts of the day, honorable mention goes to the roti and house curry at Hawkers, which took a solid bronze medal!
On Thursday, I worked on reviewing document production for associate Sara Kallop. The summer associates and I later attended a Direct and Cross Examination Seminar with partners Scott Sarason and Suzanne Singer, and we got a helpful run down on examining a witness while also enjoying demonstrative clips with “homework” to go home and watch the classic film My Cousin Vinny. Afterwards, we attended an AI training session and were treated to lunch. The rest of the workday I spent reviewing case law for Sara’s response to a motion.
Thursday evening, of counsel Larry Smith, and partners Jennifer Thomas, and Charlie Mitchell met with Coleman and I so we could head over to the Orange County Bar Association Young Lawyers and Law Clerks Reception. I had the pleasure of catching up with some old pals from UF, making a few new friends, and creating new connections. The event was at the former Orange County Courthouse, which is now the home of the Historical Society of Central Florida and the Orange County Regional History Center. Charlie showed us around the old courthouse, and the unique 1920’s style was lovely. I truly enjoyed having the chance to speak with and listen to Charlie. It reminded me of how much I have to learn and the importance of honest mentors. Now that the summer is nearing its end, I hope I can fit in some work with Charlie and the other attorneys at the Orlando office before I return to Gainesville for my final year of law school.
On Friday morning it was back to work, and Coleman and I received a quick turnaround project from partner David Willis. The case involves real property, and I am happy to work on a case involving the takings doctrine following my Land Use class last semester.
Later in the afternoon, we had our Motion Hearing Workshop and I ended up loving it. I received great feedback from partner Samantha Duke and it helped dispel some of the nerves for similar hearings in the future.
To close out the week, we received our mock trial parties and our teammates. I am stoked to have Madison Temple from the Tampa office as my partner. She did an excellent job at our Opening and Closing Workshop, and I am excited to practice together. Our styles are different, which will make it fun and interesting to learn from each other. T-minus 2 weeks until the Mock Trial – I can’t wait!
