This week’s docket ran full. Starting off the week was a Motion Writing Seminar, which focused on structuring persuasive arguments with clarity. I left the workshop not only with new legal writing skills but also with some great recommendations for legal writing books. Throughout the week, I prepared for a mock deposition. During the mock deposition, using the case packet given to me, I was able to depose one of the attorneys. I got to listen to the other summer associates conduct their depositions and learn different styles of gathering the necessary information. Following this, we all received valuable feedback on our work.
One of the week’s highlights was attending the Federal Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Event at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. We heard from a panel of attorneys and judges, including Judge Embry J. Kidd from the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, about effective appellate advocacy and pathways into appellate practice.
Back at the office, I worked on several discovery and dispositive motions, an experience that sharpened my legal drafting skills. Contemporaneously, I’ve been reading two of my favorite legal writing books: Point Made and The Elements of Style. Reading these alongside getting feedback from associates and partners alike has accelerated my learning curve in refining my legal writing skills.
The week wrapped up with opportunities to connect with attorneys across the firm. During a partner meeting in Orlando, the firm held a happy hour where I enjoyed speaking with partners from different offices, many of whom have spent decades at the firm and practice in a variety of different areas. The week concluded with an associate happy hour for Orlando associates, another great opportunity to get to know attorneys at the firm. Not only did I get to know the other associate attorneys, but I also had the opportunity to ask questions and seek input on legal strategies for matters I am currently working on in a more casual setting.
