Facing the courtroom for the first time can evoke a mix of anxiety and anticipation for many young associates. For those embarking on their debut oral arguments, thorough preparation and team support become indispensable. Kim Hill, a fourth-year associate at Kirkland & Ellis, emphasizes the importance of feedback from senior team members, stating, “No one is going up for an argument without any feedback from anyone on the team about what you’re going to say.”
Whether cutting their teeth on pro bono cases or tackling dispositive motions, associates often see these initial outings as critical learning opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic has further diversified these experiences, with some associates making their argument debuts via Zoom.
The journey to their first courtroom presence is a pivotal milestone, offering significant professional growth for litigation associates. More insights into these experiences and the preparation involved can be found on Law.com.