This week was spent refining our arguments, theories, and examinations for the mock trial. My partner Paige and I practiced throughout the week on our portions by presenting to associates and partners from both the Miami and Alabama offices. It was extremely helpful to get feedback from each attorney and to begin to see how our individual styles formed as we practiced. By the end of the week, I had developed new ideas and almost completely restructured my motion in limine, direct and cross-examinations, and closing statement to take into account each thing I learned from practice.
Tuesday was the Miami office’s day for the firm’s annual Multicultural Food Festival luncheon. We ate an amazing mix of food including some Filipino Lumpia that Andy and I requested to represent our culture! It’s great that the firm celebrates everyone’s culture and diversity. On Wednesday, Andy, associate Jessica Kerbel, and I met with Paul Lipton, the firm’s Director of Professionalism, Career and Skill Development to discuss our own career and skill development. Paul is always great to talk to about his experiences and advice for young lawyers.
After several practices over Zoom, when Sunday rolled around, we all practiced with our partners in person in the Orlando office. The Brightline train ride to the Orlando office brought a sense of nostalgia as I reflected on the end of summer’s “full circle moment” feeling. Just 9 weeks ago I was taking the train to Orlando for orientation, but this time I was going there to put on my first trial in a real courtroom.
When we had finally finished practicing each portion of the mock trial on Sunday, we all grabbed some dinner together. It was great to hear from everyone about their experiences throughout the summer and talk about some of our favorite highlights. Over 9 weeks, we’ve learned together and developed a good rapport. It was awesome to see where we all started at the beginning of the summer with our opening/closing workshop, and then see how we had grown professionally as we approached the mock trial.
On Monday morning, it was mock trial day! We met with our witnesses for a quick ten-minute prep and then headed over to the Orange County Courthouse. Our mock trial was held in the same courtroom where Casey Anthony was tried, and the judge even took us into the holding cell of the courtroom. Despite having nerves, after entering the courtroom, I felt calm, confident, and ready. Once the trial began, it flew by! It was interesting to see each summer associate develop their themes and theories throughout their case for the jury in a unique way.
To celebrate the end of the mock trial, we attended a happy hour event at the Orlando office. During this event, we found out that Erica had won the writing competition and Madison won Best Advocate for the mock trial! Both Erica and Madison are so deserving of these awards and it was great to see everyone’s hard work pay off. We even received the most awesome end-of-summer presents! Afterwards, our mock trial judges including partners Patrick Delaney, Joe Metzger, and Chase Hattaway, as well as associates Sara Kallop and Devin Topper treated us to a dinner at Boca Restaurant. Not wanting the night to end, the summer associates continued the celebration with after-dinner drinks and darts. We ended the celebration with late-night pizza and final farewells.
As we finish up these last few days back in the Miami office, I truly feel so thankful. This summer has brought me so much knowledge, skills, unique experiences, and connections. Thank you RumbergerKirk for everything!
