This week was very busy with preparations for the upcoming mock trial. After having the weekend to peruse the problem, my partner Andy Co and I met on Tuesday to discuss our strategy and theory of the case. Each team normally practices with partners from one or more offices during the week before the trial, so we met with partner Scott Sarason on Wednesday to set our schedule and discuss techniques to help us advocate effectively for our position. On Friday, we practiced our motion in limine with Scott and Birmingham partner James Walsh. While I did well, their questions showed me areas where I can continue to improve our argument over the next week to leave no room for doubt at trial.
During the rest of the week, Erica and I worked with partner David Willis on a collaborative project responding to a motion for temporary injunction. I also researched an interesting workers’ compensation question for partner Samantha Duke.
On Thursday night, the summer associates and Orlando associates went to Popstroke for a night of food and mini-golf. The firm reserved an entire section of the patio, where we ate delicious street tacos and had wonderful conversations. Then, we took to the mini-golf course to show off our putting skills. We all did very well, but the best of us was Director of Human Resources and Legal Recruiting Karen Garcia. She hit a record of four hole-in-ones! We all had ice cream afterwards to celebrate a job well done.
The following evening, Erica and I met Managing Partner Frank Sheppard, partner Chase Hattaway, associate Hannah Klonowski, and their significant others in Winter Park for dinner. We went to Orchid Thai and had splendid appetizers and curries accompanied by great conversations about their experiences as attorneys and favorite restaurants in Orlando.
It is crazy to think how quickly the summer has gone and that we have only two weeks left in the program. This summer has been such a wonderful experience. Next week looks like it will be another fast-paced week focused on preparing for the mock trial!
