Legal Reserves by James Rosenberg

Author:James Rosenberg [Rosenberg, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-12-18T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 36

May 18, 2018—Five Years after Graduation from Law School

“ALL RISE, THIS Honorable Court is now in session, the Honorable Jeri R. Richards presiding,” the tipstaff announced as Jeri strode out of her chambers and up the three steps to her seat behind the bench. She carried a stack of files and placed them next to the larger pile which was already on her stand. Pushing her black robe down as she sat in her leather chair framed by the flags of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Jeri gazed out over the packed courtroom.

Before announcing the first case for argument, Jeri motioned for her tipstaff to come up to the bench. Kathy stood on her tippy toes as Jeri leaned forward.

“Hi Kathy. Are you sure we have all of the files up here?” Jeri asked in a whisper, motioning to the papers next to her.

“Absolutely Judge. I think you are ready to go.”

“I don’t know why I am so nervous. Probably because I haven’t handled oral argument yet.”

“You’ve spent the last three days reviewing the briefs for every argument. I think you’ve read all of the cases in the Pennsylvania Reporters. You’re ready.”

“Do you think all of the lawyers know how much time I spent getting ready for these arguments?”

“I doubt they care.”

“Kathy, I’m not sure I told you before but when I used to argue motions, we would stand in the back of the courtroom and make nasty comments about the judge. Things like, ‘What a moron, he doesn’t know the law?’ Or, ‘Don’t be such an ass, Judge, we’re all doing our best here.’ Look at all of the attorneys here. You think they are talking about me?”

“Probably, Judge,” Kathy said with a smile. “But they are only saying good things.”

“Make sure you walk around the courtroom and if you hear anyone saying anything bad about me let me know.”

Kathy shook her head. “Sorry Judge. I have to stay up here near you to make sure you are calling the right case. It’s going to be up to you to make sure you keep control.”

“Fine. Then we should get started. What do we have, twelve motions for summary judgment?”

“Right on, Judge.”

“Want to bet how many cases I dismiss?”

“Not really, but if you’re anything like my last judge, it won’t be too many. He didn’t like to write opinions.”

“Well, if I grant the motion, I won’t have to worry about a trial. Kind of balances out. Let’s just see how this goes. I haven’t made my mind up on most of them. Hopefully, we’ll get some good argument.”

“I certainly hope so.”

Kathy stepped back and sat in her place in front of the judge’s bench. Jeri picked up the first file and called out the case name. She placed her yellow pad with her notes about the case in front of her.

The arguments proceeded quickly and uneventfully. Jeri allocated fifteen minutes per side for argument, but most lawyers completed what they had to say with time to spare.

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