This week at RumbergerKirk brought a mix of first-time experiences, meaningful mentorship, and exciting new challenges. As we pass the halfway point of the summer, I’ve been reflecting on how much growth has happened in such a short time and how much of that is due to the firm’s commitment to giving summer associates diverse, hands-on opportunities.
One of the highlights of the week was getting lunch with Partner Patrick Delaney. During our conversation, I learned that he actually wrote the Daubert motion we used in the writing competition. Hearing his perspective on how he approached the motion, and his insights on advocacy and writing, made the competition feel even more impactful. He also shared thoughtful advice about building a strong legal career, and I walked away from the lunch with both practical tips and a renewed sense of motivation.
This week also included a major first for me: attending an inspection with Brent Hartman. On my first day at the firm, I mentioned that I was hoping to see an inspection at some point. This week, that hope became a reality. Julia and I had the chance to observe the inspection in person, and the experts involved were incredibly generous in explaining the technology and the relevance of their findings. It was such a valuable experience to see this phase of discovery up close and to appreciate how much technical precision goes into building a case from the ground up.
Another standout moment this week was collaborating with Julia on a Daubert motion we were assigned together. Julia and I have worked on assignments together before, but this one took our teamwork to the next level. We learned how well we collaborate under pressure and were both proud of what we were able to accomplish together.
To wrap up a great week, several of us headed to Mathers, a stylish speakeasy downtown with an amazing happy hour and vintage lounge vibes. It was the perfect way to unwind and connect with other summer associates and attorneys in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. These casual moments, whether it’s grabbing a drink after work or bouncing ideas off each other during a late-day writing session, have made this experience so meaningful.
Between motion seminars, depositions, inspections, and writing challenges, every day continues to offer something new. I’m growing and enjoying the journey alongside some truly incredible people. I can’t wait to see what week six brings!
