This week was a rollercoaster, and not just because I spent half of it writing about one in my closing.
On Monday, Sam and I helped with last-minute trial prep before jury selection. It was exciting preparing binders upon binders that would be used in trial, and I was so excited to hear opening statements Tuesday morning. I was a little disappointed when I heard the case settled Monday night! At first it felt like all the work we’d done was for nothing. But then I realized that here at Rumberger, we prepare every case like it’s going to trial. No shortcuts or coasting toward settlement. That mindset is what makes this place different, and in my opinion, makes us some of the best.
On Tuesday, Steve Klein and Patrick Delaney treated us to a delicious Italian lunch. The garlic knots were to die for!
Soon it was Wednesday and all about getting ready for the Opening and Closing Workshop in Tampa. I spent the day editing, practicing, and somehow memorizing my closing in a matter of hours. During lunch, the office heard from Rumberger’s Director of Professionalism, Career and Skill Development Paul Lipton. He spoke on professionalism and the deeper meaning behind the work we do. He talked about the “ministry of the practice of law,” and his words impacted me deeply, reminding me why I’m here.
After lunch, we drove to Tampa and in the blink of eye it was Thursday morning and the workshop was beginning. All of the summer associates, except Molly who could not make it, reunited in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Courthouse and the biggest courtroom I’ve ever been in. We each presented our closing arguments (or opening statements) and received feedback from Chief Judge Sabella, Partner Rob Blank, and associates Gabriele Bodanza, Seth Roebuck, and Renee Duffy. Their advice was direct, specific, and so incredibly helpful. I walked out of there feeling both more confident and more aware of what I can improve for the mock trial.
After court, we had lunch at Columbia in Ybor City (my first time). The food, the setting, and the company were all amazing. It was so nice catching up with the other summer associates, though we definitely missed Molly, who couldn’t join us. Before heading back to Orlando, we got a quick tour of the Tampa office. I love our home base, but that bay view took my breath away.
We’ll all be back together in just two weeks for the mock trial, and I’m both nervous and excited. Mostly, I’m just feeling really grateful to be here, and learning about the meaning behind this work, growing in my abilities, and with lots of guidance and advice, getting closer to the kind of attorney I want to become.
