My impact in a Solo-Practiconer’s law firm

The fact that this law firm is run by a solo-practitioner directly correlates with my role as its intern. I spend most of my time with Devon, its owner and partner, and when I am not with her, I am working on specific tasks or delivering documents to the Courthouse. I have had a first-hand experience on seeing the legal process within the justice system from the beginning, starting with new clients, to the end, when a case has settled. Working for a solo-practitioner allows me to observe, on an individual and micro level, this process. I have observed the way this firm is organized and how it handles client’s special cases. I have noticed ways in which I can contribute to more efficiently practice from a somewhat outside perspective.

In a case from this week, a client was arrested for rape after entering into an apartment building. The building was in an extremely dangerous area, and a strong aspect of the case was proving how at risk the area was in, and specifically the high crime that takes place in this low security building. My task was to go through a file that contained every crime that took place inside and outside this apartment building for the last five years. The file was nearly 400 pages and contained various crimes including sex crimes such as rape, murder, an overwhelming amount of trespass, and assault. I was provided a note-pad and pen to sort through the information. Instead, I was able to download the file onto my computer and use excel to efficiently organize and understand the data. My background in excel allowed the data to be properly organized and sorted by category, date, specific location, and complaint number. Because I was able to go through the data quickly and effectively, Devon was able to establish the setting was extremely dangerous and the security to allow strangers inside was negligent. This provided a solid angle to present the case.

Last Wednesday, I attended a mediation for a client who was hurt during an exercise class and faced serious damages as a result. The insurance company refused to pay for the amount in which she was suing, and instead offered an insignificant fraction of the demanded amount. During the meeting, I paid specific attention to the language of the insurance company’s representative when explaining the outcome. I suggested to Devon requesting more medical documents that would include from the doctors the injuries were a direct cause from the incident at the class. This would more clearly tie the injuries to the faulted machine within the class. I find that because Devon is a solo-practitioner, there are times when she cannot focus on every detail. Therefore, I make a conscious effort to pay specific attention within these meetings. The clearer medical documents will be a critical factor in the upcoming stages of the case, when Devon must re angle her argument to the insurance company.

Because Devon is otherwise working alone, I am able to alleviate some of the stress with the simple tasks I can complete quickly and efficiently. While my experience is definitely learning-oriented, I appreciate how I am of help an office that would otherwise be limited to one perspective and one person active on cases.