As I wrap up my third week at RumbergerKirk, I continue to be amazed at how seamlessly the firm blends hands-on experience with practical training. Each day builds on the last, and this week especially highlighted how lessons taught in workshops come to life in real legal settings.
Earlier in the week, we participated in a deposition workshop led by David Marsey, a partner from the Tallahassee office, and Alexander Melvin, an attorney from the Orlando office. We focused on active listening, a skill that sounds simple but can make or break a deposition. Alex kept us on our toes with curveball responses that emphasized the need to stay flexible and truly listen.
Later in the week, we saw that lesson play out in real time when Julia and I attended a deposition with Jennifer Thomas, a partner in the Orlando office, in a personal injury case. Jennifer’s attention to detail and ability to pivot based on witness responses made it clear how vital active listening is in practice. After the deposition, she took time to speak with us and answer questions on her strategy and thought process.
Another highlight of the week was attending closing arguments at the Osceola County Courthouse for a trial with attorneys from the Orlando office. Watching a case reach its conclusion in a courtroom was both powerful and instructive. Seeing how much goes into delivering an effective closing argument, from tone and pacing to content and clarity, brought so much of what we learn in law school to life.
We also had the pleasure of joining Frank Sheppard, managing partner of RumbergerKirk, and Orlando attorney Hannah Steele for lunch in Winter Park. Frank was incredibly welcoming and shared his experiences navigating the legal practice. His perspective was encouraging, insightful, and showed us how deeply he cares about our development
Between research projects, workshops, and real-world observations, I’m learning something new every single day. Each week at RumbergerKirk pushes me to grow and provides the support and feedback I need to do so with confidence. I can’t wait to see what week four brings!
P.S. The orchid is still alive and well. After helpful tips from our friends in the marketing department, Julia and I have set a schedule to make sure our orchids are watered each week. While everyone seems confident I can keep this plant alive, my friends from law school formally named my orchid “Doomed.”
