Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

lennonkdc

So, first day at work. I'm totally lost. Was handed two new files, told to write a complaint, when asked for guidance was told to just look them over and do what I can...

Why doesn't law school teach a person how to practice law? 

cu97tiger

Ha, I have no idea. But I would like to say congrats on losing 8 lbs! Hopefully this job doesn't drive you to drink (and eat) 

becunning2

Is there a template or a previous example you could look at?  Sometimes, looking at a prior example can help you get going on what you're working on (it sure as fruitcake helps me!).

Is this your first law job?

leia1979

I agree with becunning. Ask if there are any previous examples (anything remotely similar) that you can work from.

Even once you are experienced, not all places do things the same way. Of course, I work in a different field, but I don't know why that wouldn't be a universal truth.

And if you can't find anything similar, just do your best and hope they give you some pointers.

lennonkdc

 Its not my first law job, but my background is criminal prosecution, this is a civil contract's case.

I need to draft a complaint, and I know the form, but not the substance. I can draft about 5%-10% of it, but as far as knowing the law, and what facts are then relevant to include in the complaint, I'm totally lost. 

Boss is in a meeting, so for the moment I'm hiding in my office reading the file trying to look busy...

lunarsongbird

Hahah....Whiskey Tango Foxtrot...Lima Oscar Lima!!



I should say this to the next veteran that calls and starts rattling off this stuff...
"What was that again? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?"

becunning2

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_whiskey-tango-foxtrot?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:b22a4347-3292-4b21-a8df-0dd83e54ffcePost:7ec28526-5e01-4fb5-9678-d8adb458d739">Re: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot</a>:
[QUOTE] Its not my first law job, but my background is criminal prosecution, this is a civil contract's case. I need to draft a complaint, and I know the form, but not the substance. I can draft about 5%-10% of it, but as far as knowing the law, and what facts are then relevant to include in the complaint, I'm totally lost.  Boss is in a meeting, so for the moment I'm hiding in my office reading the file trying to look busy...
Posted by lennonkdc[/QUOTE]

Ahhh, the joys of law!  I used to work for a judge on the court of appeals--but as an editor, not a lawyer.

Does your boss know that your background does not include civil contracts? I would try to do the 5-10% that you can... and I would try to find another civil contracts complaint to read so you can get a feel for the specifics. Also, I'd ask very specific questions (Should I include x or y) rather than a generic (how do I do this?). Try breaking it up into smaller parts so you can work on something, get it done, and then have another question lined up for the next part...

...if this is even possible at all.  Yikes!

lennonkdc

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_whiskey-tango-foxtrot?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:b22a4347-3292-4b21-a8df-0dd83e54ffcePost:867b7ea4-bb3c-4b27-99ec-dd9f75acfdf5">Re: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot : Ahhh, the joys of law!  I used to work for a judge on the court of appeals--but as an editor, not a lawyer. Does your boss know that your background does not include civil contracts?  I would try to do the 5-10% that you can... and I would try to find another civil contracts complaint to read so you can get a feel for the specifics. Also, I'd ask very specific questions (Should I include x or y) rather than a generic (how do I do this?). Try breaking it up into smaller parts so you can work on something, get it done, and then have another question lined up for the next part... ...if this is even possible at all.  Yikes!<div>Posted by becunning2[/QUOTE]

</div><div>
</div><div>Yeah, he knows my background. I'm doing what I can (hurray for formating captions!) He gave me another similar case file to look over, so I feel a bit better. I'm just typing up what I can, and I hoping that 6pm rolls soon :)</div>

alanna91

Phoenetic Alphabet Love!
Congratulations on your first day though. Sounds like a bit Foxtrot'd up, but you'll learn soon enough I'm sure