Although the other summer associates and I did not have any workshops for the mock trial this past week, we received the mock trial problem, which was extremely exciting! It seems like just a couple of weeks ago we had our first workshop on motion practice, and now we are already gearing up for two weeks of daily practice!

Throughout week 7, I received several research assignments pertaining to a motion for attorneys’ fees, corporate representatives’ hearsay statements, substituting a party, and Florida’s defunct deadman’s statute. I even learned all about how California attorneys formulate their case citations— they employ a completely separate system than the Bluebook called the California Style Manual. All of that research turned into drafting three motions for three different partners, after which I received some exceedingly valuable feedback and constructive criticism.

When I was not busy researching Florida law for those motions, I was either summarizing plaintiffs’ responses to our interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admissions, analyzing stores’ surveillance footage of alleged injuries, or drafting case evaluations. Having already completed similar projects on those topics in the past, it was great to continue to develop my writing and learn how young associates practice!

Thursday was the most important day of the week, as the other summer associates and I were finally provided with the mock trial problem. After meeting with one of my coaches, Jacey Kaps, I read over the case file a few times in full and started thinking about writing my opening statement, closing argument, and direct and cross examinations. Overall, I am enthralled that we get to argue for both the plaintiff and defendant and see so many potential favorable arguments already.

With weeks 8 and 9 approaching, I could not be more thrilled to start practicing in front of almost all of the Miami office’s partners and associates. I know that I am going to learn so much from them and cannot wait to see how much I progress over the next two weeks.