This Week

Luck, truly, has run out on me.

Last week I was but a lowly line attorney. Day by day plodding through my piles of criminal files. Content in my knowledge that I had no authority, perceived or otherwise. No one really relied upon me to make decisions that affected others at work. Sure, my mouth was big and I am rather loud at times with my opinions but my voice carried no authority.This week that all ended. I have been given authority over others at my workplace. People are calling me with questions. I have to listen to people complain and actually have to do something about it rather than just sit there, nod my head and agreement but ultimately disregard it because I couldn’t do anything about their complaints.

I’m in charge now. It sucks. I really don’t want to be in charge. I am the “default” supervisor. The old “default” supervisor has moved to another position (where he is actually a supervisor) and we’ve been left with no one. This sucks. I really wanted my co-worker to be in charge but she wasn’t around when the straws were out so I drew the short one (I was the only one drawing straws actually so my hopes were rather dim).

At least it will (it damn well better be) over by next week. Until then I just have my dog to smile at. Isn’t she pretty? I sure think so.

No Trial

After three days of jury selection we felt we were very close to empaneling a jury this morning. Unfortunately, this morning the judge permitted the defense counsel to withdraw from representing the defendant. This means that we will not be having a trial on this case this year as there will soon be new counsel.

So be it. I feel sorry for the victim’s family and all they have been through these past several years. Hopefully we will get to trial on this matter next year or resolve it short of trial. The matter needs to be concluded one way or the other.

It’s Winter

As the snow continues to fall across Anchorage yet I am too busy to actually enjoy the snow I must satiate myself by looking out of my window.

So, while I am at my desk at home I only have the knowledge that while I won’t be able to cross-country or downhill ski this week or probably even next I will be able to shovel my driveway later tonight when I have time. What a wonderful winter wonderland.

Trial

We started trial on Tuesday (Monday was Veterans’ Day) but we started at 11am instead of 8:30am because of scheduling conflicts. Our trial date ends at 1:30pm so not really get through much of the venire panel on Tuesday.

Yesterday we selected twelve jurors after an 8:30 to 1:30 voir dire. I had lots to do for today so I worked pretty freaking hard to get some stuff done with the intent we’d get to it today.

That did not occur.

While we started today with 12 jurors we ended with 12 jurors at approximately 2:45pm. We continue voir dire on Monday (no trials on Fridays) with another group of prospective jurors.

This is the life of trial. In three weeks, when we are all finished, I will be very happy but I look forward to the next trial.

Trial

Starting a murder trial on Tuesday next week. Never done one before but have no fear good citizens of Anchorage I won’t be lead counsel on this case.

Still, lots of pressure. I’m sure it will be just fine given the excellent qualities of the lead attorney.