This week was one of those where everything blurs together in the best way. Sam and I spent Monday through Wednesday collaborating on research and motion drafting for different partners and associates. Every day we worked well into the evenings, sometimes sure we were the last ones here because we were determined to get ahead before the long weekend!
On Monday, I focused on a hearsay research project for Partner Dan Gerber. It was a revelation that the rules of evidence are always trickier in practice than in theory, but that good advocates come up with just the right argument to get evidence in!
Tuesday was the Summer Associate Motion Practice Workshop, which I’d been both excited and a little nervous for. The highlight was responding live to Partner Steve Klein’s feedback, it really forced me to think quickly and stay present. It’s one thing to know your argument on paper; it’s another to stay composed while fielding questions in real time. Afterwards, Partner Dan Gerber took Sam and me to lunch at Kress, where we talked about everything from the longevity of attorney’s careers at Rumberger, being flexible to working in multiple practice areas, and even recommendations for beautiful places to travel.
Wednesday was a deep dive into Courtney Tournade’s response in opposition to a motion to strike for fraud on the court (a mouthful, I know), which was a totally new topic for me and absolutely intriguing. It was a thrill to dissect the motion bit by bit with Sam! I honestly love that every day here is a chance to learn something brand new.
On Thursday morning, before I headed home to North Florida for the holiday weekend, Sam and I put the finishing touches on the responsive motion and did some additional expert testimony research for Devin Topper’s upcoming trial. We’ve been elbows-deep in so many Daubert motions and research on the complexity of expert discovery, Sam and I joke that we’re slowly becoming experts ourselves. At lunch, Rumberger treated the attorneys and staff to a pizza party before closing for the long weekend.
It’s been a full, challenging, and thrilling week. I’m grateful for the chance to keep growing, especially surrounded by attorneys who are not only incredibly smart, but also generous with their time and advice.
Now, it’s time to rest up and enjoy a well-earned Fourth of July holiday!
