Topic: Practical Training Opportunities (June 8, 2009)

Practical training opportunities allow summer associates to view attorneys in their natural environment.  Summer associates sit in on client meetings, attend depositions, and observe closings and trials.  Quarles & Brady attorneys involve the summer associates as much as possible in the proceedings and regularly ask for suggestions.  After a summer associate completes a written project, the assigning attorney often invites the summer associate to attend future practical training opportunities regarding the case.  It is great to follow a case from beginning to end and to see my work-product in action.
--Brandon Gutschow, Milwaukee Office (University of Wisconsin Law School, Class of 2010)

My favorite practical training opportunity thus far was watching a Q&B attorney serve as an expert witness.  One of our Q&B attorneys was called to testify as an expert on what a reasonable rate and time allocation would be for a case that had gone to trial.  I enjoyed watching the trial, it was interesting watching the attorneys' approach when conducting direct and cross-examination of a fellow attorney.
--Stephanie Hood, Naples Office (University of Florida Levin College of Law, Class of 2010)

The practical training opportunities presented to summer associates are as helpful as they are varied.  I've spent four hours watching and taking notes in a complex bankruptcy hearing, and five minutes attending the finalization of a pro bono adoption case.  Getting out of the office to see the practice of law in action is a learning experience that cannot be replicated through drafting and research.  Quarles recognizes that, and over the course of the summer we are encouraged to attend as many practical training opportunities as possible.
--Michael Leeman, Naples Office (University of Florida Levin College of Law, Class of 2010)

So far, I've been to both Federal Court and State Court. In Federal Court, I sat in on an oral argument before the Seventh Circuit in the NRA v. City of Chicago case.  I also observed a magistrate judge during his daily call.  In State court, I went to the probate division. The chaotic Daley Center (I'm convinced it has only one working elevator) is completely different from the atmosphere at the Dirksen building.  It was pretty interesting to see the difference.  In addition to these training opportunities, I would like to sit in on a deposition, negotiation and mediation if at all possible.  There's tons to do in the next 4 weeks!
--Tamara Tarazi, Chicago Office (Chicago-Kent College of Law, Class of 2010)