All In a Day's Work

I (David) have now been hard at work for my summer job for a month! The time has flown by. So far, I have really been enjoying my experience at Bingham. All the people I have met and worked with are very friendly. I've been impressed with how committed they are to the training and development of their new attorneys. Although it's a large firm, I don't get the feeling like I'm just a number or some nameless peon intern. One of the perks of being at a big firm is the quality of work I get assigned to. Since the 'little guys' can't afford to pay for a big firm, the cases and issues that come to Bingham are usually more complex or noteworthy. I don't think I could deal with fender-bender cases all my life. So far I've worked on a lot of different projects, which has been great to get a variety of experience. I should have a much better idea by the end of the summer what kind of law I want to practice.

This week we just finished up our mock trial. The firm split up the summer associates into two groups to try an actual case the firm had a few years ago. I was on the plaintiff's side. It required a lot of work and preparation. On Thursday we went to a mock courthouse and had a judge, jury, witnesses, and everything. My job was to cross-examine the defense's main witness. It was kind of intimidating and nerve-wracking, but ended up being a really good experience. I had a fun time, and got some positive feedback. I don't know whether or not I want to be a litigator, but it was good to have a 'real' experience and see what it would really be like.

They're working us pretty hard, but we also have time for fun. The firm treats us well. I've only had 2 or 3 days this summer so far where I haven't had lunch provided, usually at a nice restaurant nearby. We'll be able to save up some money this summer to pay for our time in the Netherlands. The worst part is having to be apart from Julia much more than I'm used to. Even though law school is busy, I do lots of homework at home so we can be together. Another reason to look forward to the Netherlands. It's been a fun summer so far, though, and I definitely feel blessed to have the job experience that I do.

The Busy Month of May

May was a very busy month for us. David had a birthday! 26 years old and two years done with law school! David and Julia also celebrated their second wedding anniversary. How can it possibly be two years already! Time passes so quickly.
Julia finished her second year of graduate school and she graduated this month with a 4.0! She is really excited to be done with her program and to have a bit of free time. Julia's parents and sister came down for her graduation for a few days and they went to Mount Vernon and Harper's Ferry. They also went searching for some family history in Virginia. Julia's ancestors lived in the area at the time of the Civil War. They were able to see river where Julia's ancestor ran a ferry over a hundred years ago.Unfortunately the graveyard they searched contained many unmarked graves, and many of the tombstones were too worn down to read.
Graduation!!! Hurray! Finished! Be sure to note the turtle called "Testudo" the mascot. Also the University of Maryland is where Jim Henson (muppets) went to school. They have a statue of him with Kermit the frog on campus. It is Julia's favorite part of campus!
Mount Vernon is a beautiful place! The grounds there are amazing. It is so fascinating to see how people lived in the past. It is well worth a visit! Hint! Hint!

This is Harper's Ferry. The town here was very important during the time of the Civil War.