When Larry Rice hired me back in March of last
year, I asked him, “What will I have an opportunity to learn from you while I
clerk, and how will that help me transition from student to an attorney?” He
quickly assured me that clerking at his office will prepare me to transition as
seamlessly as possible, and that his clerks are provided with endless
opportunities to learn and observe meetings, mediations, hearings, trials, and
even appeals. During my first few months, I often thought ahead about how what I
was doing at that exact moment would help me become a more efficient and
competent attorney. Little did I know, though, that the day to day habits I
honed while working with Larry Rice of being prepared, thoroughly researching
arguments, and putting my all into each project would culminate and lead me to
have one of the most memorable and exciting experiences of my entire law school
career.
After
I made the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law National Moot Court Team, Larry sat
me down and said, “If you want to be really good, you need to focus, be
prepared, and give it all you’ve got.” That’s exactly what I tried to do. After
spending 40 hours a week practicing the entire month of November, our entire
plan changed when we lost our swing teammate. Because of our hard work and
preparedness, however, my other teammate and I already knew the opposing
arguments and were ready to head to the Regional Competition in Knoxville, just
the two of us. After beating Mississippi College, Louisiana State University,
and the University of Tennessee, we had the opportunity to argue in front of
Justice Wade of the Tennessee Supreme Court. In a minor panic attack before the
final round, I remembered Larry’s advice and was able to revel in the
opportunity rather than be intimidated by it. Presenting an appellate argument
to Justice Wade and engaging in conversation with him regarding the state of
the law is an experience I will never forget.
As my teammate and I prepare to compete against the Top 44 Moot Court teams in the nation in New York City this February (all expense paid trip- thanks Cecil C.!), I can practice with peace of mind, knowing that I have a competitive advantage over them all- I am a clerk for Larry Rice. Win or lose, I walk away with a boss that encourages me in my academic endeavors, prepares me for success in law school, and provides opportunities that will allow me to be as prepared as possible for when I enter into the legal field.
