This week brought together advocacy training, legal writing and hands-on litigation experience as I continued preparing for mock trial while taking on substantive assignments that offered a deeper look into the practice of litigation.
I began the week with a direct and cross-examination workshop led by partner Scott Sarason, where I gained practical insight into developing effective questions, controlling the narrative and presenting a persuasive case at trial. Later that day, I attended an Associate College lunch presentation with partner Josh Lerner, who shared valuable perspectives on the firm and offered thoughtful advice for young attorneys. I spent the remainder of the day refining my mock trial arguments and strategy.
Tuesday focused on strengthening my advocacy skills during an evidence workshop led by attorney Reggie Guillaume. I also attended a client meeting regarding the Motion for Summary Judgment I drafted, giving me the chance to see how my written work directly supported an active matter. Later in the day, I continued drafting discovery responses to the plaintiff’s requests.
On Wednesday, I balanced mock trial preparation with litigation assignments, including drafting discovery responses and beginning a motion to overrule the plaintiff’s objection to non-party production. These projects reinforced how the research and writing skills I’ve developed in law school translate directly to real-world legal issues.
Thursday included finalizing the motion to overrule the plaintiff’s objection and drafting a memorandum analyzing Florida Statute section 57.105 related to sanctions and attorney’s fees. The assignment introduced me to another aspect of litigation strategy and highlighted the careful analysis attorneys undertake when evaluating claims and potential remedies.
I wrapped up the week by dedicating Friday to final mock trial preparation before taking a break to participate in a ping pong tournament with partner Rob Blank, attorney Madison Temple and my mentor, Renee Duffy. It was a fun way to unwind after a busy and productive week.
As the Summer Associate Program nears its conclusion, I’m excited to put everything I’ve learned into practice during mock trial and continue building on the experiences that have made this summer so rewarding.
