Question of the Week Are associates at your firm allowed to present arguments in court? This week, Above the Law reported on an order from U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Grewal from the Northern District of California. "With no fewer than six post-trial motions set for argument next week, surely an opportunity can be made to give those associates that contributed mightily to this difficult case a chance to step out of the shadows and into the light," Grewal wrote. "To that end, the court expects that each party will allow associates to present its arguments on at least two of the six motions to be heard. If any party elects not to do this, the court will take its positions on all six motions on the papers and without oral argument." And what happened? The lawyers on both sides decided that the judge should rule based on the filings. One firm was a boutique (Ruyak Cherian); the other was DLA Piper. So this week, we'd like to ask you: Are associates at your firm allowed to present arguments in court? If so, in what sorts of cases? If not, why not? Answer in the comments. Read the answers to last week's question: What legal advice would you give to a client who won the lottery? Featured answer: Posted by JustTess4All: "Tell no one, trust no one. Hire a lawyer first, then a financial adviser, then hire a personal assistant to open your mail and answer your phone. If you have any medical, mental health or substance abuse issues, get treatment immediately at the best, most remote facility possible. While you are relaxing at the wellness retreat, think about what is most important to you. Decide on a plan--doing nothing is not a plan. You will find that money is much like time, it will slip away no matter what you do, but while you cannot make more time, you can make more money!" | 