The week started off on a high note! Ashley and I had a great opportunity to attend a hearing with Administrative Partner Scott Sarason at the courthouse downtown. We went first thing Monday morning and it was awe-inspiring seeing a hearing in action inside a big courtroom. Most hearings are online so having an in-person experience was much more fun to watch. It was interesting to observe Judge Rebull rule on the case. I liked his conversational style and then seeing the two different attorneys each had their own way of presenting their cases, interacting with their co-counsel, and direct and cross-examining the witness. It was also great to see how a well-prepped witness can help or hurt your case.
When we returned to the office, we attended a great seminar to help prepare for the mock trial as part of the RumbergerKirk Associate College. Ashley and I sat in the boardroom with other Miami associates to learn trial preparation strategies. Like most oral advocacy experiences–preparation is always key!
After the Associate College lunch, Ashley and I along with associate Brittney Polo attended a motion to dismiss hearing with Scott. His knowledge of the law is extensive after years of practice, and even with different facts he clearly knew every single argument and possible fact that could be raised. His motion was granted!
As I have started doing more research this summer, I have learned a lot about the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and that every rule exists for a reason. I have enjoyed seeing how the case decisions build into laws on different areas of legal procedure and have had the opportunity to research and learn about a wide range of issues on different ends of the legal procedure.
I finished the week by researching Massachusetts law to help partner Jens Ruiz with a case. I never thought I would be researching laws outside the state of Florida but that’s the best part of having a range of partners to work with–the unique cases never end.
We are also in full swing for mock trial prep! Coleman and I have had our first few practices together and I am looking forward to bringing it all together soon. It is hard to believe that we are almost wrapping up our summer. Special shout-out to the attorneys helping us along the way!
