As I wrap up my final two weeks at RumbergerKirk, I’m filled with so much gratitude and more than a little disbelief that the summer is already coming to an end. These last weeks have been some of the most rewarding yet, filled with courtroom prep, hands-on experiences, laughter, reflection, and a real sense of how much I’ve grown since day one.
One of the highlights was presenting at our attorney luncheon, where I gave a presentation on post-trial motions. It was both nerve-wracking and exciting to speak in front of so many attorneys, but the discussion that followed was incredibly engaging!
In the lead-up to our summer mock trial, we participated in an Evidence Workshop and a Direct and Cross-examination Workshop. Both offered practical, real-time feedback and sharpened our skills before the big day. Julia and I got to attend an inspection in Cocoa with Jennifer Thomas and Mary Hudson at an airport last week as well! Afterward, we had lunch on the water where Jennifer and Mary gave us fantastic advice and kept us laughing with their stories.
The mock trial itself was the perfect capstone to the summer. I had so much support and guidance from Graham Marcus, Meghan Kennedy, Hannah Clark, Samantha Duke, Sara Kallop, Devin Topper, and so many other incredible attorneys. Their advice, encouragement, and patience meant the world. My partner Emma Quattlebaum and I went in feeling confident and ready. I’m really proud of the performance we delivered! Judge DuBois was fantastic to work with and incredibly helpful in guiding us through our first trial experience. That evening, we celebrated with dinner at Sixty Vines in Orlando!
As we finish up our last assignments and begin saying goodbye, I keep thinking about that very first day of orientation. It feels like a lifetime ago, and yet somehow like it just happened. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come and endlessly grateful for the people who helped me get here. I’ve learned so much, and it’s all thanks to the attorneys who took the time to mentor, teach, and trust me with meaningful work.
Speaking of which, as I reflect on my summer I have to note that one of the most special parts of this summer has been working alongside Julia. I knew we were going to get along when she didn’t judge me for getting lost everywhere we went! She just made sure we left an extra 10 minutes early to accommodate it. We’ve collaborated on countless assignments, supported each other through the intense moments, and made so many memories.
To everyone at RumbergerKirk: thank you. I have truly found a home here, and I will miss all of you this year more than I can say.
P.S. Thank you to everyone who has followed the journey of my orchid, Doomed. I now face the next great challenge: keeping him alive during my final year of law school. Wish him luck . . . or at least send some thoughts and prayers.
