Last summer, I worked on a research assignment for Phil Stein for some mortgage repurchase cases the firm was working on at the time. This summer, my work on these kinds of cases continued. Not only did I get to work with Phil again on another research project, but I am also currently working with Bob Siegel on a similar matter.

 Bilzin Sumberg is uniquely positioned to represent loan originators across the country against loan aggregators who are making repurchase demands against them after the recent foreclosure crisis. Phil Stein and Bob Siegel, among other attorneys, have been sharing their expertise and providing updates on these kinds of issues on Bilzin Sumberg’s first blog, Mortgage Crisis Watch, for over a year. For the past few years, the firm has used attorneys from the Litigation, Corporate & Tax, and Real Estate groups to defend against billions of dollars of loan repurchase claims.

By working on these assignments, I have had the opportunity to learn about these relevant issues from seasoned and knowledgeable attorneys. The cases I have worked on have been thought-provoking and have given me a new perspective on the trickle-down effects of a financial crisis. Overall, I am happy I had the opportunity to revisit and learn more about an area of the law that is particularly relevant today.

This week, we all put on our aprons and cooked our dinner at Two Chefs for a summer associate alumni event. We managed to make ourselves an amazing dinner including tuna tartare, chicken kabobs, seared salmon, risotto, and chocolate soufflé that still had me feeling full this morning.      

I know, with all the fun events we post about, sometimes it looks like we don’t work hard, but we do. This week, Adam and I have been putting in long hours alongside Wendy Francois on a pretty exciting project here in Miami that one of the senior partners noted “was one of the most complex deals he has seen.” Our work all came to fruition today as we learned that the closing would happen as scheduled. Knowing that the client will sign the documents that we put our sweat into is a really satisfying feeling.

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Eryca & Veronica enjoying the game

Last Tuesday, the summer associates and the Litigation Practice Group headed to Marlins Park to catch the Miami Marlins play the Atlanta Braves. It was my first game since the renovation, so I was excited to see what all the buzz was about. The Marlins’ new digs did not disappoint; however, the best part of the night was being able to get to know the attorneys in the Litigation Department.

We watched the game, cheered on our home team, and chatted about a host of topics all in a fun and energetic atmosphere. Admittedly, I did a little more talking than watching but only because each Practice Group event is a unique way to meet and interact with the attorneys.

Our summer events so far: embarking on a Yacht Tour with the Real Estate and Land Use Departments, bowling with the Corporate and Tax Practice Groups, and attending the Marlins game with the Litigation attorneys. Every event has been so great that I cannot even pick a favorite.

In the end, although the Marlins were unable to beat out the Braves, it was a great game and another excellent Bilzin Sumberg event.

Time is flying.  Last week we all had our midsummer reviews with Marshall Pasternack, Jessica Buchsbaum, and our mentors.  At the review we discussed our individual summer experiences, assignments, and areas of interest.  It was a great opportunity to receive feedback on my assignments and to talk about my transition into Bilzin Sumberg.  Working with different attorneys in all of the departments has allowed me to gain insight into the many different practice areas of the firm.

The mentor program has also been an excellent way to learn about the ins and outs at Bilzin Sumberg.  My mentor Josh Kaplan has been a huge help in deciding what assignments to pick and answering all of many questions. All of the mentors have been terrific and it almost seems like I have six of them.  I have worked closely on different assignments with Eric Singer and I have attended numerous lunches with Lori Lustrin and Wendy Polit.

 All in all it has been a great first half of the summer and I am really looking forward to the second half.    

 

 

Last week, the summer associates participated in a Federal Court Observer Program. Summer associates from the south Florida area shadowed attorneys during several hearings and participated in question and answer sessions.  A moment that stands out is when a summer associate asked a thoughtful and brave question: “What tips do you have for the next generation of young women attorneys?  How can we make sure we are excelling in our profession?”

The question reminded me of a book I read earlier this summer; one which the Women’s Book Club at Bilzin Sumberg recently read, as well – Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg.  Once a month, the women at Bilzin Sumberg  discuss the book of the month and its characters, plot and message over lunch.  In Lean In, Sheryl encourages women to seek leadership roles in the workplace by following her key messages.  Many of the messages in her book have resonated with me during my summer at Bilzin Sumberg so far; in particular, Sheryl’s call to “sit at the table.”

Sheryl explains, “I still face situations that I fear are beyond my capabilities. I still have days when I feel like a fraud.  But now I know how to take a deep breath and keep my hand up.  I have learned to sit at the table.”  Personally, there have been many instances this summer when I have made sure I am “sitting at the table.”   Whether I am presenting a finished assignment to attorneys, speaking up to ask a question or participating in the Mock Real Estate transaction negotiations, as long as I am sitting at the table, I ensure I make the most of my summer at Bilzin Sumberg and, in turn, that Bilzin Sumberg is getting the best me possible.

I guess there is no clear answer to my fellow summer associate’s question, but I think Sheryl’s message — don’t just show up, make sure you are sitting at the table — is a good place to start.

The Temple House, ready for our party!

Last week was a busy week!  The summer associates had their mid-summer reviews and participated in a community service project at Virginia Key with over fifty other summer associates in south Florida.  The fun continued on Saturday with Bilzin Sumberg’s Annual Attorney Firm Dinner Party.  Last year, our party coincided with the Heat playoffs, but this year nothing could divide our attention from a great evening.  The venue – The Temple House – on Miami Beach was spectacular and the company was better.  It was a great opportunity to interact with the summer associates, their guests and our attorneys.

Last Friday, the summer associates got our hands off the keyboards and into the dirt! The Summer Associate Community Service Project day brought us to Virginia Key for a chance to show off our green thumbs.

We participated in the Virginia Key Restoration Project, an effort driven by Citizens for a Better South Florida. In addition to cleaning up the coastline, the program aims to remove invasive exotic plant species throughout a 15-acre coastal hammock area and replace them with native plants grown in the Virginia Key nursery.

Our group was assigned the task of repotting a number of native plants into nicer digs where they could really put some roots down. Later, a guided nature walk through the coastal hammock put our 6th grade science skills to the test. Tip: if you’re ever quizzed during a nature walk, just yell out “photosynthesis.” You’ll be right about 60 percent of the time.

We also learned about interesting biological reactions: when encountered with worms in the soil, certain summer associates—who shall remain nameless—emit high-pitched squeals as a defense mechanism. Nature is incredible.

A day of contributing to both the local community and the environment wrapped up with a BB-Q lunch by the beach. An A+ day in my book!

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This summer has provided me with many ‘firsts.’  In the last few weeks, I have had the chance to sit in on an arbitration meeting, a deposition, and a style presentation, all for the first time.

My first ‘first’ was a Tag Along with Marty Steinberg and Melissa Pallett-Vasquez to an arbitration status conference. I have taken a few classes in law school that have focused on arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, so it was an exciting opportunity to see some of the lessons I have learned in school come to life. Not only was it worthwhile from a procedural perspective, but it was also interesting to see how the attorneys conducted themselves and discussed the topics at issue.

This week, I went to my first deposition with Michael Kreitzer.  Before heading to the deposition, I caught a glimpse of Mr. Kreitzer preparing for the deposition and met the client. Once we got to opposing counsel’s law firm, it was really interesting to observe the whole process: how the parties conducted themselves during the deposition, what took place during the breaks, and how Mr. Kreitzer communicated with the client. It was such a great learning experience.

Turning to a more fashion forward ‘first,’ this past weekend, the Women Attorneys Group held an event at Nordstrom at the Village of Merrick Park. Many of the firm’s female attorneys came to the event, where we were treated to breakfast and lessons on how to dress for success and incorporate today’s trends into our work wardrobe. Come fall, expect to see the women of Bilzin rocking bordeaux and blueberry pieces to work. Time will tell who will make the Bilzin Best Dressed List next season.

 

 

          Thursday was a day of highs and lows. Our softball season ended at the hands of the D.A.s office (I think they practice – a lot!) in the playoffs. But after our loss, the Miami Heat played a spectacular game seven to win the championship! The city went crazy; as I write this I can see the championship parade from outside my window. I credit the team’s win to the good luck generated by Bilzin Sumberg’s spirit day on Thursday. Everyone dressed up in Heat attire for the day. You’re welcome Miami!

Continue Reading Motion to Strike!

The Winning Team! Eryca Schiffman, Andrew Pompa, Carlos Junco and David Schubauer

Last night, the summer associates headed down to Lucky Strike on Miami Beach to bowl with the Corporate and Tax Practice Groups. Right from the start, it was a great opportunity to meet and get to know those attorneys.

After everyone arrived, got their bowling shoes, and selected their perfect bowling ball, we split up into four teams. My team (aka the best team) included Carlos Junco, David Schubauer and me. We also cannot forget the spectators who cheered us on.

The first game featured a lot of playing, talking, and watching the other teams. An added bonus: the delicious chicken fingers, flatbreads, and chips that were there to reenergize us if we needed it. Although Marshall Pasternack’s team claimed the first victory, my team rallied during the second game, and we packed our scoreboard with countless strikes and spares. All the teams were awesome, but in the end, we were able to take home the prize. Our trophies: personalized bowling pins that we each got to keep! My radiant pink pin is presently sitting on my desk.

Overall, it was a great night for the Bilzin Bowlers!

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