Weblog

Tuesday, 26 May 2009

  • First day at work

    Today was my first day at my firm. Now I know why they call it "the golden handcuff."

    When I was doing public interest work last summer, I was placed in a cubicle, brought my own laptop, had to pack or buy my lunch almost every day, and even had to make or bring food to our end-of-summer BBQ. My experience at this firm, in contrast, is completely different, even though it's only my first day.

    Today, we were given a tour of the office, which consisted of three buildings. Then the recruiter showed us to our offices; I have a nice, spacious corner office on the second floor. I haven't met my secretary yet, but apparently I have one. I'm getting a Blackberry tomorrow (not sure if that's a good thing; I don't think so). Free drinks are available in every floor and in the cafeteria. And when I told them I was planning on packing lunch, all the attorneys told me that I should never because there will always be an attorney willing to take me out to lunch.

    We had a welcome luncheon at John Bentley's. I had one of the best filet mignon of my life there. It was simply delicious.

    Tomorrow, my mentors will be taking me to Tamarine Restaurant, which is actually where I wanted to go for awhile now.

    I know the economy is shit right now, but I'm really enjoying my experience. Today confirmed that I did make the right choice picking this firm. The people are extremely nice and very genuine. I can tell just by the way they interact with one another, the way they dress, and the way they talk about the firm and their experience. It really is a nice culture to be a part of. I don't even care if I don't get an offer at the end of the summer. Well, I actually do care, but given the state of the economy, I won't be surprised if they don't give a handful of us offers. Regardless, I don't regret picking this firm because it is the best fit for me...for now.

    It's only the first day, but that's my expression thus far. Every time I visit them again, I feel very comfortable and welcome. I hope it stays that way.

Friday, 01 May 2009

  • Should I study tonight?

    I just spent an average of 10 hours per day for 10 days straight studying for Evidence. I took the finals today and suffice to say, I still felt unprepared and ready to crawl in my bed and die...or something like that. After my Evidence exam, I stopped by the clinic to close up my last case. I came home afterward and prepared dinner. Now, I am doing laundry. I'm deciding whether to call it a night and just relax or to start studying for my Tuesday exam. I'm leaning towards the former, but my guilty conscious is pushing for the latter. Although a guilty pleasure would be to just crawl up in bed and watch a darn movie!

    .....

    update: I am studying right now....sigh. Will probably sleep at around 1 AM tonight. That's pretty early for me.

Monday, 23 March 2009

  • Spring Break

    Spring break officially starts today for me; although my last class was last Tuesday. I've been enjoying some R&R at home in Los Angeles with my family. I'm flying back to my place tonight and will be heading to NY with my boyfriend and friends on Wednesday.

    I've been entertaining the idea of starting my own website. I started blogging since I was 16, created two/three websites when I was in high school/college, but neglected them all. Now, I'm trying to get back into it? Do I even have the time? If I do create my own website, it will be anonymous. I find that I write more freely when people don't know who I am. Plus, I will be entering the work force next year (hopefully) and I don't want my website/blog to jeopardize my professional reputation. I'll let you know if I end up following through with it, although I am very doubtful.

    I have started thinking about clerkship. Last week, I narrowed my list to 100 judges, ranging from District Court judges to appellate judges -- all in the Ninth Circuit. I know 2009 clerk hiring will be very brutal because people are going to try and ride out the economic recession by clerking, so competition will definite be up. The process is quite intimidating as well, but if I don't try, then I'll never know. One of my mentors told me to write individualized cover letters for each judge. I think that's just pure insanity.

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

  • moving out

    I've decided to move out of the hellhole I am living in now.  The roommate complains too much.  She won't let me shower at a certain time because it might disrupt her sleep, she accuses me of leaving the door unlocked (even though I ALWAYS make sure it was locked), and other various things such as not wanting me to stay on Fridays. I'm just tired of having to tip-toe around her.  I'm staying until the end of this week and will be commuting from my bf's place onward.  I'm excited!

    Some attorneys are just so darn rude.  Sure, you should zealously represent your client, but you don't have to be an ass about it.  If someone comes to your office, you should acknowledge them and say goodbye to them.  It is SO RUDE to leave your guests in your meeting room and depart without saying goodbye.  I don't know why some attorneys are such assholes.  It makes no sense for me whatsoever.

    The same attorney is also arrogant.  He implied that we didn't know the law and stated that we were wasting his time.  A reasonable attorney would have mentioned the code so we could look it up ourselves.  He is not a reasonable attorney.  Turns out, he was the one who didn't know the law and when we pointed it out to him, he just ignored us.  But it felt SOOOOO great to call his bluff!  I learned from this incident not sound so damn confident because there is a slight chance that you could be wrong.  And when you act like you know everything, then you will be even more embarrassed when you are wrong. 

    anyways, as you can tell, I am frustrated with my opposing counsel.  He sucks.  But that's what everyone said about their own opponent huh?  Defending a deposition is tough.  But it was such a good experience.  My partner is taking a deposition tomorrow.  Fun!

    Can't wait for this case to be over.  I hope we settle. I hope they drop the case.  Not going to happen though. Never missed so many classes before. 

Wednesday, 18 February 2009

  • BUSY BUSY BUSY BEEE

    I am working on a case right now and am in the middle of discovery. The court set the trial date for beginning of next month and I sent out our request for documents, request for admissions, and deposition notice to the opposing counsel last Friday. On that same day, we received the same requests from the opposing counsel.

    Request for documents, request for admissions, interrogatories, and special interrogatories are all due this Thursday. Deposition of my client will be on Monday. I am meeting with my client tomorrow morning to go over the questions and answer them. On Friday, I will be preparing my client for the deposition and then I will have to skip class on Monday in order to defend the deposition. On Wednesday, we are taking a deposition so I have to prepare for that next week. Mandatory conference is scheduled for next Thursday and trial is set the following Monday. THIS IS A CRAZY MONTH!

    On top of all that, I need to file a wage an hour claim for one of my clients against his former employer this week. AND I have to file a petition for expungement for my other client. THIS IS A CRAZY MONTH!

    On top of all that, I am in the middle of doing research for my professor. And did I mention I am also taking three classes? I can't wait for this month to be over. Actually, I can't wait for this semester to be over.

    Back to working on my complaint....