Week nine marked the culmination of everything this summer had been building toward.
Much of the week was dedicated to preparing for the mock trial competition. I refined my closing argument, direct examination, cross-examination and pretrial motions while continuing to develop our overall trial strategy. The preparation required much more than knowing the law—it meant applying the facts of the case to every argument, anticipating evidentiary issues and staying ready to adapt throughout the trial.
The mock trial took place in Orlando, where we presented our case before the Honorable Eric H. DuBois, with RumbergerKirk partners serving as the jury. Stepping into a courtroom to advocate in a full trial setting for the first time was an unforgettable experience. Receiving thoughtful feedback from Judge DuBois and the firm’s attorneys on both our strengths and areas for improvement made the experience even more valuable. My partner and I were honored to be selected as the competition’s best team, making the experience especially rewarding.
Following the competition, the Orlando office hosted a happy hour before partners and attorneys from several offices gathered for dinner. It was the perfect way to celebrate the hard work that went into the competition, reconnect with colleagues and reflect on an unforgettable summer.
Looking back, the mock trial represented much more than a competition. It was an opportunity to apply everything I learned throughout the Summer Associate Program, and it reinforced my excitement about pursuing a career in litigation.
