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Thoughts
From a Future Legal Eagle
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Melaney
Hodge, our Summer Intern, is a second year law student at the
New England School of Law
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The leap from
classroom law to actual application reminds me of the Grand
Canyon...a big 'ole gap!
In the classroom, one legal argument is put against another
legal argument and one is the winner. No human thoughts, actions, or feelings need be
considered. The cases in
our textbooks hold immense legal significance, but they fail to
address the human dynamic that is involved in every legal
dispute. This is the
greatest lesson I have gained from this experience. My legal education will
provide the groundwork for my future success, but only through
experiences like this, concerning client interaction and courtroom
appearances, will I be able to truly appreciate the significance of
my future career.
Attorney Ryan, Paula and Rachel have been fantastic in allowing
me to experience every aspect of the probate and family court
system. Some of the
concepts, I must admit, sounded a little crazy to me. The idea of a four-way
meeting absolutely blew my mind! I thought putting two divorcing parties into one
room would indefinitely lead to a fistfight. However, it is a true
testament to Attorney Ryan's commanding presence that she is able to
actually negotiate settlements during these meetings. She has the uncanny ability
to remind everyone of the true issues needing to be resolved for the
conflict to end as quickly as possible, avoiding extra expense and
frustration for everyone.
I have loved the time I have been able to spend in the
courtroom. The judges
and the staff run a tight ship.
Attorney Ryan introduced me to the judges who were extremely
kind and down to earth individuals. I appreciate their concern for any children
involved in the litigation.
The judges are exceptionally considerate and ask specifically
about the children's reactions and behavior throughout the divorce
proceedings. On one
recent court appearance, we arrived to find the judge scolding two
litigants for bickering over money without concern as to their
three-year-old child. I
found it fascinating that the judge did not stand on decorum and told
the parties what was really on her mind. The clerks of the courtroom are my super
heroes! How they
maintain organization through the chaos is amazing. Likewise, the court officials
are so kind and helpful to everyone.
I am impressed with the entire system's emphasis on
settlement and resolving disputes amicably. The Family and Probate Courts deal with such
sensitive disputes, which I think is particularly unique to that
court. No one wants to
go through a divorce, and I feel everyone involved in the proceedings
directs the parties' attention to the true issues, allowing the
divorce to proceed as smoothly as possible. While parties may enjoy airing all their
grievances, I feel the system is effective, reminding all involved
that the point is to end it and move on.
Also during this summer, I had the opportunity to work
at the Clerk's Office at the Appeals Court in Boston. At that position, I checked
out legal briefs, looking at formatting, etc. (it is as dull as it
sounds) and conducted research for the head clerk. While I feel it was a
worthwhile experience, I felt it lacked the personal interaction that
is also missing from law school curriculum. And, of course, it lacked the festive atmosphere
of Attorney Ryan's Office!
Overall, these experiences gave me an appreciation for
the actual people involved in litigation. The human dynamics of the justice system are no
longer such a mystery.
Having never been involved myself, I never fully appreciated
the strain parties go through in order to resolve disputes,
particularly divorces.
From Attorney Ryan, Paula and Rachel, I definitely learned the
passion needed to rigorously represent clients. Thank you for all those of
you who allowed me to sit in on your meetings and court
proceedings. I truly
value the experience and look forward to what the future has in store
for me!
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