Today was my first real day of work. When I say that, I mean that I am now swamped because a few of my cases exploded, and I've been given even more new cases. "Swamped" is relative, of course, but I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, if only because I'm unfamiliar with these particular cases.
I now have something like 40 cases. It's sort of crazy, after having handled no more than a dozen at a time for the past six years.
[Yikes. I am in my seventh year of practice.]
Most of these cases are dinky and worth no more than $50,000. I liken these to the common cold -- not that serious, but totally annoying nonetheless. Aside from these common colds, I also have about a dozen larger cases, ranging from mid-six-figure values to multimillion-dollar deals. These are like gunshot wounds and severe traumas. I just got an enormous case that's been in litigation since 1993.
I was 16 in 1993.
It's a really huge case, and I'm rather nervous about drafting a joint defense agreement for a matter about which I know practically nothing. At this point, I feel as if I'm treading water, rapidly and desperately. This case is like heart surgery. And I just opened the guy's chest without any knowledge of his medical history.
I have a big hearing coming soon, a demurrer due shortly, and at least two site visits that will require overnight stays (and will take me away from precious office time).
I did have fun this morning, though. After nearly two hours of rather dry discussion of numbers and damages, I made the client (yes, client -- even though I work in-house, I still represent the corporation) laugh really hard.
We were talking about a site visit that would involve our driving through a narrow tunnel. To get out, we would have to drive in reverse for several miles because the vehicle was nearly the same size of the tunnel.
At this point, I said, "You mean like in Austin Powers?" And then I made revving and screeching sounds, whilst pretending to drive very poorly.
Luckily, the client knew exactly what I was mimicking. Ha! Too bad my boss didn't get the joke.
WeeMo made a funny! :)
ReplyDeleteHmmmm....shoulda gome imto estate amd trust law. I keed! If amyome is capable of makimg the best out of a situatiom, it's you. Evem though it's gettimg tough, just remember - MO BILLABLE REQUIREMEMT. Muff said.
ReplyDeletei love that scene!
ReplyDeletesorry that it's getting busy again :( hang in there though -- i know you'll do great!
love that scene and glad he/she got it.
ReplyDeletegood luck with the busy-ness. i know you'll kickass.
clear!
ReplyDeletewe've got a pulse!
:)
i totally cracked up at your austin powers reference. i'm happy that the client got it, too. that could've gone awry in a big way :/
I'm so excited for the travel edition of "More Fun Than a Barrel" on your overnight stays!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I know you'll do great with your cases. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all these cases!
ReplyDeleteTotally snickering at the Austin Powers reference.
ReplyDeleteYa know, you have a lot on your plate, but you are very capable and are seemingly a great lawyer. No sweat!
Seven years!
ReplyDeleteI love it that you made the reference. I love it even more that the client laughed really hard at it. :)
ReplyDelete