I can’t believe we are already on our second week of work! On Monday, Malina and I attended the Motion Writing Seminar, which was led by partner Samantha Duke. I learned critical information that has aided me in drafting such as ensuring that you use recent case law, printing your work product to check for spelling and grammatical errors, and utilizing headings and subheadings to guide your reader.
Following the seminar, I began researching and drafting a Motion to Dismiss for partner Melissa Softness. This was my first time drafting a motion, so I spent time researching case law and reading samples to create a comprehensive motion. I was grateful that Melissa took the time and effort to guide me throughout the process in terms of where to focus my research and provided sample terms and connectors to narrow my research. We also discussed whether the elements of a cause of action have been alleged in opposing counsel’s complaint. In the afternoon, Malina and I attended a Westlaw training, which taught us about new features that could aid our legal research and searches for case law.
On Tuesday, I worked on a discovery-related assignment for associate Thomas Webb. I did document review by tagging emails pertaining to certain sensitive topics. I enjoyed conducting document review, despite the associates commenting that they preferred to draft, because it was rewarding to find critical emails that favored our position in the matter. In the afternoon, I worked on a research assignment for Thomas, which I initially found to be challenging because the case law I found did not explicitly answer the research question I was tasked to address. Thankfully, Thomas was able to narrow my search and provide me with additional case details that aided my research process.
In the evening, Malina and I attended the “Getting a Head Start on Pro Bono for Summer Associates—Presentations and Cocktail Reception” at Hogan Lovells (see picture). Malina and I spoke to Judge Paul C. Huck, who discussed how the practice of law is about relationships and how giving to others through pro bono can enrich your career and promote happiness. It was an honor to attend such an impactful event!
On Wednesday, I observed partner Scott Sarason take a deposition, which was interesting to watch how he got the deponent to open up and answer his questions. I learned how it is more challenging to do depositions on Zoom and that, with experience, you can gradually learn to ask questions that are outside the box. In the afternoon, I received a lot of help from associates Isadora Sadler and Katherine Becerra who passed by my office when I continued researching and drafting the Motion to Dismiss. Later that evening, Malina and I attended the Miami-Dade Bar Summer Happy Hour event at American Social. We had fun talking to attorneys and other summer associates while enjoying appetizers.
On Thursday, we attended the Taking Depositions Seminar led by partner David Marsey. We learned tips and strategies for taking depositions, like how to organize our outline containing deposition questions and different topics we can cover during our deposition. Later, we attended our second attorneys’ luncheon, where Thomas presented two interesting cases about the APEX doctrine. I enjoyed learning about the APEX doctrine, including its practical considerations.
On Friday, I wrapped up my Motion to Dismiss draft and worked to complete a discovery-related assignment I received from my mentor, associate Jessica Kerbel, who has been such a huge help throughout the week! The discovery-related assignment involved creating a chart to address a possible statute of limitations issue. It was a challenge to complete both assignments by the end of the day, but I was able to do it!
On Saturday, Malina and I attended a Summer Party that Melissa and her husband hosted in her home. It was a lot of fun speaking with everyone from the office and their significant others. We truly felt so welcomed, and it was great to chat and mingle with everyone. Overall, it has been a challenging yet rewarding second week at the firm!
