Day in the Life of an Associate Attorney: Peoria, IL
Day in the Life of a Litigation Associate
By Kimberly Sarff
Associate Attorney:
2002-present
Being a litigation Associate at Husch Blackwell Sanders offers both excitement and challenge. Because litigators essentially specialize in "litigation," as opposed to focusing on a specific area of law, I am constantly challenged to learn new and different areas of law. As a result, my workload is diverse, exciting, and fun. One of the best features of working at Husch Blackwell Sanders is the resources available to us, including my fellow attorneys. I can always find an attorney in one of the firm's offices with experience or insight in a particular area of the law. I have not encountered an attorney here who is unwilling to assist, offer guidance, or answer any of my questions.
I generally start my day by checking my calendar to see the upcoming hearings and deadlines I have. I also check my voicemail messages and respond to e-mails. I view my list of tasks that need to be completed and analyze which project takes priority. I then get started with work. At this stage, my day can go any number of assorted routes depending on what needs to be done. Some days, I may research issues, draft motions and briefs, or meet with clients. Other days, I may attend hearings, take depositions, assist with trials, or make an on-site visit to property that is the subject of litigation. As a member of the firmwide asbestos litigation team, twice a month I attend the motion calls in Cook County, Illinois. I wrap up the day by preparing my time sheets and then view my calendar to prepare for the next day. I usually prepare and update a list of tasks that I need to complete the next day or over the course of the next week.
I enjoy being an Associate Attorney at Husch Blackwell Sanders, and I especially enjoy working with such a great group of attorneys. Recent law school graduates often don't realize how much more there is to learn after graduation. Husch Blackwell Sanders has served as an excellent learning environment for me, and has provided me with plenty of opportunities to take on additional responsibilities as I develop, including taking the first chair in several trials. The people I work with are wonderful, intelligent people who are always willing to take time from their busy schedules to answer questions or give advice on certain legal issues. I take pride in being a part of such an established firm, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such good people.