Week four has been very exciting because our submission to the Summer Associate Writing Competition was due on Friday! It was a challenge to complete my assignments and also work on researching, drafting, and revising my submission for the writing competition but I’m happy to say it all got done.
On Monday, I worked on a research assignment for partner Jens Ruiz regarding whether you could use deposition testimony at an evidentiary hearing to determine reasonable attorneys’ fees. Later on, Malina and I ate lunch at North Italia with partner Melissa Softness, and associates Isadora Sadler, and Thomas Webb. Melissa shared insights on a recent employment law case and it was interesting to hear her perspective.
On Tuesday, Malina and I watched a special set hearing. We learned about the importance of keeping a neutral face during the hearing, using both deposition transcripts and case law to support the argument, and being respectful to both the judge and opposing counsel. Later, I worked on my writing competition submission which involved reading the case packet and related case law. I started by writing an outline of my argument, noting the rule of law presented in the cases, and highlighting the inconsistencies in the deponent’s statements from the deposition transcript.
On Wednesday, I observed a hearing regarding a Motion to Compel with Administrative Partner Scott Sarason and partner Mike Holt. Immediately afterward, I observed a deposition in an asbestos case. It was my first time watching a deposition related to asbestos litigation, and I found it very interesting to see how detailed the questions were presented and challenged. Later on, I worked and completed a quick discovery-based assignment which he needed by the end of the day. I also completed a research assignment, which was particularly challenging as it was my first time working on a case involving strict liability principles. Although learning a new area of law can be difficult at first, it was incredibly rewarding to deepen my understanding of a subject I hadn’t encountered before.
On Thursday, I presented for this week’s attorney luncheon which was nerve-wracking but incredibly rewarding because associates Jessica Kerbel (my amazing mentor), Katherine Becerra, and Thomas Webb, along with Mercy Martinez, and Naylett Sawyer all helped me feel prepared to give my briefing. I spoke about two interesting cases that discuss the scope of fiduciary duty in the context of either a family trust or an attorney client relationship. After my presentation, I spent the rest of my day drafting and organizing my writing competition submission.
I continued to work on my writing competition submission on Friday by re-reading certain cases and revising certain sections I had written earlier in the week. I watched partner Suzanne Singer handle an mediation which was enjoyable because she was very persuasive in advocating for her client while also presenting her argument that the law was on her side. Malina and I also watched an intense mediation which lasted over four hours with Scott Sarason and Gigi Cordova. I learned so much from seeing how they spoke to the mediator handling the case and to the client. At the end of the day, I submitted my writing competition submission. It felt both amazing and rewarding to complete my submission after much hard work!
