I am really, really glad to have this job, even though I don't get paid for it and I don't get parking. Judge Otero's style makes all the difference. I already have to go through and analyze the pretrial motions for the patent case I was assigned, and I barely got here.

I witnessed my first hearsay objection today, it was very exciting. Yes, that sounds really nerdy. I watched opening statements in the criminal trial and a defense lawyer tried to read out-of-court statements made by his own client, and the prosecution objected. (It was sustained.) You have to understand -- i've been learning about this dry, abstract legal system all year, and even though I've had great teachers, it's quite another thing to see the law in action.

I guess I'll start wearing a suit and tie to work every day. Yesterday, I showed up in clothes I thought were appropriate, dark slacks, black shoes and a conservative green shirt -- but no tie. However, to be in the courtroom, you need a tie -- and the Judge handed me his spare. It was a bright sky blue one, which I think made me look pretty ridiculous. Though dressing up makes me feel fancy, if my occupation is going to be working for a firm for the rest of my life, I guess I better get used to it fast..