Upgraded To Associate, Kind Of

I haven't had to think about law school for five weeks! It's been such a nice break. The summer before my 1L year, I started my first law school class- criminal law. Since then, law school has been the constant focus of my life, even during summer when I took summer courses.

Now it's odd to have a break. I don't even have to THINK about school until the end of November when I register for classes for January. It's not full relief and leisure though- because I know I have to go back eventually and when I do, it's not going to be so easy. I'll still be commuting 1.5 hours each way, but I'll also have a baby to take care of. While part of me is dreading to go back, the other part of me can't wait. I love being a student. I love chosing classes. I love first days of school. I love organizing notes and learning new things.

But I'm still in no rush. I love my job more than I love school I think. (definately the paycheck part!).

Yesterday I was just about to run up to my boss' office and beg him to assign me a new project (it's been a little slow lately) when he saunters right into my own office. I can always hear him coming from halfway down the hall. He has a super loud voice and he is so animated when he talks. He is either telling an almost unbelievable story, sharing a ridiculous thing that a client or opposing counsel did, or joking with an associate. Either way, his loud laughter or profanities usually enter my office before he does.

I hear him go into the office of the associate next door. He closes the door but through the wall I can hear him strategizing with the associate on a case. I hear him pelt one f-bomb after another. He never directs them at anyone, he just like to use the word when he's heated up. Yikes.

Then he walks into my office. I see he's wearing a collared shirt, jeans and his favorite pair of cowboy boots. He's always smiling it seems, even when things are hectic. So he tells me he has an assignment for me. A case actually. Seems like all the associates are swamped so the partners decided to give me my own case. OMG. I'm so excited. As he's explaining the depth of my responsibilities I'm trying really hard not to beam from ear to ear. My mind starts spinning with opportunity and ways I can prove myself.

Not until he leaves and a legal secretary drops a 30 pound stack of papers on my desk does it really sink in how much responsibility this is. Turns out the case involves a 300,000+ demand settlement and we're on the defense. I have A LOT of work to do...