As this week comes to a close, I wanted to reflect on a substantial "first" in my legal career. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to appear in Federal Court for the first time in the Southern District of New York.
While appearing in one of the most well-known courthouses in the country can be frightening, I truly think it was best case scenario for a few reasons:
1. The District Judge in charge of our case has a local rule encouraging new associates without a lot of oral argument experience to appear in her courtroom. By pointing this rule out when scheduling a hearing, she makes the opportunity less intimidating, knowing she's encouraging a learning environment.
2. My firm, Gerben IP , was very supportive, including Josh Gerben, who dealt with a few panicked client messages in my absence, and Eric Perrott, who dealt with more than a few panicked messages from me. I got to work with Kathryn G. Kent, who was there every step of the way from weekend questions about what to wear, 10pm questions about case law, and standing beside me as the judge issued her decision.
3. Most notably, there were only women in the courtroom. In both a male-dominated field and in a prestigious courthouse, it's rare that everyone present, including court reporters, interns, clerks, judges, and attorneys, is a woman. Even opposing counsel commented on the unique situation before the hearing began. While it did not change the legitimacy of the proceeding or the caliber of the arguments, it made the moment more special.
Everyone has to go first once, and I'm very glad this was mine. Thank you to everyone involved!
P.S. We won!
