This week was a perfect mix of learning, fun, and mock trial prep!
We kicked things off Saturday with the associates BBQ hosted by Graham Marcus and Meghan Kennedy Marcus. It was nice getting to hang out with everyone outside of work, enjoy a great lunch, and the best part – meeting Graham and Meghan’s adorable, high-energy dog, Beau! He was truly the life of the party.
On Monday, we had the Associate College Luncheon, where Rebecca Beers and Fred Clarke presented on witness preparation. Fittingly, the topic transitioned into the afternoon when Sam and I sat in on a deposition by a plaintiff’s attorney against our witness. Dan Gerber defended the deposition and had prepped the witness beforehand. It was amazing to see how well the witness held up under questioning, and it was clear to me that Dan’s preparation had made all the difference.
Tuesday brought some exciting new assignments. I was assigned a response to a spoliation motion from Sara Kallop, and a memo from Suzanne Hill on recent legislation affecting non-compete clauses. I enjoyed both, but the memo stood out, as it was my first time researching brand-new legislation!
After work, Sam and I joined some associates and Director of Human Resources and Legal Recruiting Karen Garcia for a night out at Andretti’s. Between the go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games, it was a blast and what I’m sure will be one of my favorite memories from this summer.
Wednesday was the firm’s annual Multicultural Luncheon, which gave us a chance to pause midweek and connect with attorneys and staff. It was a delicious display of Mexican, Greek, and Jamaican food. I think we all could have used a post-lunch nap after that feast!
That evening, Sam and I joined Managing Partner Frank Sheppard and Jennifer Thomas at the Orange County Bar Association’s Law Clerk Reception. It was great networking with other law clerks, catching up with some familiar faces from law school, and meeting attorneys and judges in the Orange County area. We had the pleasure of meeting Judge LaShawnda Jackson, who shared that she also began her legal career with Rumberger’s Summer Associate Program! It was inspiring to hear how far alumni of the program have gone.
The rest of the week was all about mock trial prep. Serena and I are representing the plaintiff, which has been a fun and slightly challenging shift away from our usual defense mindset. But with support from Melissa Softness in Miami and Chase Hattaway in Orlando, we’ve been getting ready and gaining confidence. I’m so excited to see how it all come together soon.
