Trial -- Day One

This week we started a bench trial. Although trial is very stressful, I really enjoy being in trial. Because our firm downsized this past year, I had no support preparing. I did all of the pre-trial docs, trial subpoenas, exhibits, electronic presentation, file organization, witness coordination, depo summaries, and other miscellaneous matters in preparation for trial. While there are two legal secretaries in our office, they are both very busy and I am uncomfortable asking for their help. Ours is not a big defense firm where the paralegal has secretarial support.

The first day of trial, I brought to the court boxes of exhibits, my litigation case, a projector, a lap top as well as various other paraphernalia that has proven to be indispensable at trial including bottled water for counsel, packets of tissue, additional post its, pens, and breath mints.

Since I run the electronic trial presentation I am sitting at the counsel table with the first chair senor attorney of our firm (hereinafter referred to as "Senior"), even though I am just the paralegal. The second chair, one of the other partners, is sitting in a chair behind us (hereinafter referred to as "Junior1"). I was concerned about being in trial with Junior1. Junior1 is a very smart man with a lot of insecurities. As a result, he can be incredibly pompous and condescending. There have been times when I felt like a little beagle puppy with her tail between her legs due to his tone of voice when addressing me. He is also known to be back-stabbing, opportunistic and full of hot air. On the other hand, he can be a really nice guy -- surprisingly generous at times, witty and supportive.

Because we started late, I was frantic trying to get everything set up to start. I had additional exhibits to put in the exhibits books. I had to pull 6-8 boxes of exhibit binders and deposition transcripts out of the jury room and into the court room for easy access. I had to set up and test the electronic equipment. I had to tape down the equipment cords. I had to revise some language on an exhibit that defense counsel objected to. I had distribute the bottles of water I brought for the team. I had to do all of this while wearing a skirt and pantyhose. While I was doing all of this, Junior1 just sat in his squeaky chair, leaned back and sucked on hard candy. Did it not occur to him to lend a hand? Was he just being a doofus or was he acting out his resentment that I was to sit at the counsel table next to Senior while he was stuck in a squeaky chair behind us?