On Monday, I attended the Direct Examination and Cross Examination Seminar that was lead by Partners Scott Sarason and Suzanne Singer. It was the first time Malina and I had attended a seminar that was hosted by our office, which was so much fun to attend! Scott included movie clips from “My Cousin Vinny” and “A Few Good Men” which helped us learn how to conduct an effective direct and cross examination. Later on, I attended the Associate College luncheon where Partners Rebecca Beers and Fred Clarke shared details about witness preparation. We listened and took notes while enjoying amazing burritos from Coyo Taco.
On Tuesday, I worked on my materials for the mock trial which included my direct examination of an adverse witness. It was difficult to draft my questions for this witness because I am trying to sue them, but I also am trying to elicit information. Then, I worked on a settlement and release agreement, which I found enjoyable to draft because it was my first time drafting a transactional document.
On Wednesday, Malina and I went to the federal courthouse to watch a trial. We took notes and learned a ton from the plaintiff’s direct examination of its expert witness. We genuinely wished we could stay longer because it was a lot of fun to listen to the direct examination, learn from defense counsel’s objections, and gain insights from judge’s rulings. Afterwards, Julia (my mock trial partner) and I met with Partners Melissa Softness and Chase Hattaway for mock trial practice. We worked on our direct examinations and received both helpful feedback and constructive criticism.
On Thursday, I worked on a Motion to Compel Arbitration and on Initial Disclosures. I was excited to work on both of these assignments because it allowed me to work on new cases. In the morning, our Senior Office Administrator brought the best pastelitos to the office from Versailles. I ate a meat pastry and a cheese pastry—it was shaping up to be the best day yet!
As if that weren’t enough, we all attended the annual Multicultural Luncheon, where we enjoyed amazing Indian and Peruvian food. The highlight of the luncheon was the Dubai chocolate! It all tasted so good, I thought the day couldn’t get better. After lunch, Julia and I spoke about our cross examinations with Melissa and received lots of tips and advice on how to present a great cross examination.
After a long day of work and play, we headed to Puttshack to put our mini golf skills to work. It was a lot of fun to play and bond with the entire team. This has been my favorite outing so far and topped off what has been an amazing week!
