Weeks nine and ten were very busy!
On Monday, I attended the Direct and Cross Workshop that was led by Partners Scott Sarason and Suzanne Singer. I had a lot of fun conducting my direct and cross examinations because it made me think on my feet and listen to the witness’s responses. Afterwards, I worked on revising my direct examination and cross examination for the mock trial based on what I had learned.
On Tuesday, I attended the Evidence Workshop which was led by Associate Reginald Guillaume which taught me how to lay the proper foundation for the exhibits I would introduce at trial. We practiced introducing different types of evidence. I had mock trial practice with Partner Josh Lerner and Associate Hannah Steele which was very helpful! I practiced my opening statement and received advice on how to improve my presentation skills.
On Wednesday, I talked to my mock trial partner Julia Willis on how to best prepare for my direct examination and cross examination. We had a practice session with our mock trial mentors Josh and Hannah which further helped us to tighten our examinations and prepare responses to potential objections. It was insightful to hear Josh’s advice on what to bring up during trial during our time-limited direct and cross examinations. I learned that you have to know what’s important and get in and get out while making your most important points.
On Thursday, I watched a mediation. I learned a ton about the considerations that go into settlement between parties and in the sensitivity about client communications surrounding settlement. Later on, I had a practice session with Partner Charlie Mitchell and Hannah who helped Julia and I make final decisions on which evidence we wanted to enter and how we should argue our motions in limine. On Friday, I worked on printing and refining my last draft of my opening statement, direct examination, and cross examination after receiving their feedback.
On Sunday, Malina and I traveled to Orlando on the Brightline! As soon as we got to Orlando, we stopped by the office where we met the rest of the summer associates and Partner Patrick Delaney. Julia and I ran through all of the parts of our trial to ensure that we weren’t missing anything. Once we finished, we headed back to the hotel to get some much needed shut eye before the big day!
On Monday, I was ready for trial! We all arrived to the courtroom ready to give our all. I had a fun objecting and conducting my cross examination. I was excited and proud to exclude a key piece of evidence that the defense was trying to rely upon during cross examination. I also ensured that every piece of evidence that we, the plaintiff, were relying upon was entered and that our expert witness was tendered. It was a great experience, filled with challenges and a ton of fun. Afterwards, we all attended a happy hour at the Orlando office and then had a nice dinner at Sixty Vines to celebrate our summer experience and completing the mock trial!
Thank you to everyone at RumbergerKirk! I am so thankful and grateful to have been a part of an enriching summer program filled with mentorship and guidance.
