On Monday, I attended the Opening Statement and Closing Argument Seminar led by Partner Rob Blank. I learned a ton about the do’s and don’ts in presenting opening statements and closing arguments. I was assigned to present a closing argument as defense counsel, which I was excited to write and deliver. Later that day, I worked on revisions for several motions to dismiss that I drafted last week. I also worked on a quick assignment for my fantastic mentor Jessica Kerbel which gave me a quick and fun break from working on motions to dismiss revisions.
On Tuesday, I worked on drafting and practicing my closing argument in preparation for the Opening Statement and Closing Argument Workshop. Partner Bob Fitzsimmons stopped by my office and gave me helpful advice about what to do during a closing argument based on his experience as a trial attorney. Later on, he invited Malina and I to lunch where we learned more about Bob and about how we should perform at the upcoming workshop. I used all of the advice he gave us to help shape my closing argument and figure out my courtroom style.
On Wednesday, Malina and I met at the airport and we had a quick flight to Tampa for the workshop. We checked into the hotel, ate some delicious Mexican food at a restaurant nearby, and proceeded to work on our closing arguments. I practiced my closing argument several times before meeting Malina for dinner at a restaurant across the street from our hotel. I was nervous for the workshop, but confident that all of my hard work would pay off!
On Thursday, we all met at the Hillsborough County Courthouse for the workshop. I was confident about my closing argument and received both praise and constructive criticism on improving it. I enjoyed watching everyone deliver either their assigned opening statement or closing argument. I could tell that they were all well-prepared! After we finished presenting, we were all given praise and feedback for our opening statements and closing arguments, which we all appreciated after our hard work. For lunch, we went to the Columbia Restaurant, which was a blast because we bonded with the Tampa associates. We then headed to visit and tour the beautiful Tampa office where everyone greeted us with open arms! After our tour, Malina and I headed to the airport to travel back home to Miami.
It was so much fun to visit the Tampa office and deliver a great closing argument!
