This was one of my busiest stretches of the summer and one that brought together many of the experiences I’ve been building toward.
On Monday, I attended a direct and cross-examination seminar led by partner Scott Sarason, which offered valuable insight into effective trial advocacy. Later that day, I joined my mentor, Renee Duffy, and partner Rob Blank for a client meeting. Following the meeting, I was asked to draft a Motion for Summary Judgment based on a memorandum I had previously prepared. Receiving such a substantive assignment with a quick turnaround was both exciting and challenging, and it became my primary focus over the next several days.
Tuesday began with a deposition alongside Renee, where I continued observing witness questioning and deposition strategy. That afternoon, our mock trial team met for the first time to discuss the case and begin preparing for the competition.
On Wednesday, I spent much of the day drafting the Motion for Summary Judgment. During our monthly attorney lunch, I presented a recent Florida Supreme Court decision to the attorneys in the office. I discussed Publix Super Markets, Inc. v. Gonga, which addressed the proper standard of review when a trial court dismisses a case with prejudice after finding fraud on the court. Researching the opinion and presenting its practical implications was both interesting and rewarding.
Thursday included an in-person deposition with attorney Paulina Jacobs before returning to the office for our weekly attorney meeting. After work, I joined Blake Bonsack, Passion Wells, Renee and Rob for happy hour. It was a fun chance to connect outside the office, catch up on life beyond work and enjoy some great food together.
I wrapped up the week by making final revisions to my Motion for Summary Judgment and submitting it for review. We also held our first official mock trial practice, where I worked alongside my partner, Parker Bucken. To end the day, I observed a meet-and-confer with Renee, gaining additional insight into the collaborative and strategic side of litigation.
Looking back, the week struck a rewarding balance between legal writing, litigation strategy and mock trial preparation. And perhaps my greatest accomplishment of all—I made it to Week 8 without killing my orchid, which I consider a win!
