Helluva Day*

Or, a day in the life of a law mom...

Up at 4:15 this morning to leave the house a 5:15 to meet Big Boss at 6:00 to drive to the 9:30 prove-up hearing on the settlement agreement that has been a major pain in my ass for the last month in a town out in the sticks** 3 hours away.

Yeah, I was a tiny bit nervous about spending 6 hours in a car with Big Boss--but it really wasn't bad. He is very good at carrying a conversation, and imparted plenty of wisdom and lawyer gossip along the way. And on the way back he had conference calls most of the time. (At one point he had his phone in one hand, while checking his Blackberry with the other and driving with his knee.)

I expected to be the invisible sidekick once we arrived at the courthouse, but Big Boss surprised me by telling everyone that I had been doing all the work to pull this thing together and make it run smoothly.

This was my first time in federal court, and I was thrown off a little bit--forgetting that you use a podium in federal court. (Not that I was the one speaking--I'm not admitted in federal court. But Big Boss told me that I need to work on getting admitted into two of our local federal district courts!) Every prove-up I have ever attended has been at the bench. And even for lengthier hearings in state court, counsel remains seated at counsel tables. There is definitely more formality in federal court.

And I think I saved the day at the end of the hearing by pointing out that an important document hadn't been given to the judge.

I made it back to the office by 2:00 where I ran my tail off making sure I make a couple of deadlines and finalizing the details of another prove-up tomorrow. I left at 5:15, and headed to meet DH and the girls.

Although all 3 girls are in the same school, PS and the twins had events at different schools tonight. So DH left early to take PS to her event and I met him and grabbed the twins to take them to their event. Of course I arrived 5 minutes before it started and the cafetorium was packed and standing room only. And, of course, since I had a hearing this morning I am in a suit and 3 1/2 inch heels.

Finally made it home at 8:00, and threw the twins in the bath. Somehow, both of the cats also managed to make it into the bath. DH and PS arrived home a few minutes later, and I watched the video of her first orchestra concert, which was not nearly as terrible as I anticipated.

And, while everything else in my crazy day is going on I am dealing with a very close relative who has gotten into some deep shit. And the types of law that my relatives usually need help with are generally outside the scope of my expertise. But I am doing what I can to help out on the legal front and to be as supportive as possible.

Now I am going to collapse into bed and try to get a decent night's sleep before another marathon day tomorrow.


*I just noticed this is my 500th post. Am I supposed to do something special to celebrate 500th post day?

**Don't let the "sticks" part fool ya. This court is well known as a hotbed of high-end litigation of a particular genre--and the other courtroom was packed with more than a few well known lawyers.