Yesterday marked a brave day for my life. It was my first day of law school. Albeit it was mostly orientation type stuff, we did do some class exercises, including reading a case and presenting oral arguments in my small section of about 25 people. We split into 5 groups, 4 with different sides to argue and one group of judges. My group got the impossible position. I thought "there is no way in hell we can defend this position; the case includes a clear precedent against our side" (the plaintiff, a tenant in a landlord/tenant dispute involving a tort claim and an exculpability clause in the lease). But I came up with something decent, and in 5 minutes outlined my speech (I was the oral advocate, so I had to present our arguments to the court). I gave my speech, and the whole class became engaged in cross examining me. I came up with really interesting hypotheticals on the fly to illustrate our position. Maybe some weren't exactly on spot, but for my first day and first attempt, they were pretty good. And when I sat down, I realized I was in the middle of an adrenaline rush. My hands and legs were shaking and my temperature was elevated. I had delivered a really passionate, persuasive argument over something I originally thought was a losing position. I was sure we would lose, but the Judge group came back and found for us! We won! I won! I was blown away. It was an amazing experience. I know all of law school wont go as well, but I'm glad to start off with good momentum.
On another note, I'd forgotten how hard it is to go to school from 8:30am until the evening. I could do it fine in high school, but I am older now and it's harder. But after orientation, the in-class time wont be as long, but the homework will be longer. I have to pace myself for the long haul. Wish me luck and in 2009 I will be an attorney.
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