What a week!

I slept until nine this morning, taking advantage of Steve's weekend absence to splay my tired body diagonally across the sheets. Although I'm technically awake now, my head feels heavy and fuzzy and dazed. Between early mornings for court appearances, evening obligations nightly, the adrenaline rush of preparing for and presenting arguments, and the effort of trying to finish at least one more brief and to organize my docket for a week away from the office, I'm wiped. But it was a great week, energizing and satisfying and fun.

My argument on Thursday turned out to be a highlight of my career to date. I felt composed and confident, and I knew my two cases (which I'd consolidated for argument) cold. My opposing counsel was very professional and well-prepared. Best of all, the judges were SO ready for us. They knew the cases, had no confusion between the two, and engaged us both with smart, probing questions. I am very attached to these two cases, so it was gratifying to have the judges demonstrate that they, too, recognized the importance of the issues involved.

At the end of the argument, the presiding judge asked everyone to wait for a moment. He then lavished praise on my opponent and me for the quality of our briefs and arguments in these cases. He thanked us, at some length, for our excellent advocacy, and said how much the judges appreciate that when they get it. The other judges nodded and smiled in agreement. Perhaps the judge realized that my parents and other supporters were in attendance, but whatever his motivation, he made my year.

Alas, the court is finished with its regular argument sessions until the fall. After four arguments in just two months, I feel like I'm on a roll. Hopefully I'll have something set for September or November (and hopefully my skills won't get rusty by then).

Comments

[StacyG]

Good luck with your surgery! I will be sending prayers, positive vibes, good thoughts, etc. for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Blessings,
StacyG