A couple thoughts as a result of this discussion: First, it made me incredibly sad that if I had delayed my matriculation at The New School for another year, I could have worked on this awesome project and had access to the same resources and support. (Granted, the practicum I did as a consultant for Waterkeeper was pretty edifying and I wouldn't trade it for anything, but the subject matter was a little less on point for me than these issues.) Second, hearing the guest speaker, one of the central players in the Ecuadorian lawsuit against Chevron and Chevron v. Donziger in New York federal court, was remarkably inspiring for a fledgling international affairs specialist and/or international lawyer. I mean, the dedication and stamina necessary to sustain a legal battle over two decades and not back down from punishment your adversary is trying to impose based on your prosecution of your clients' case is something hard to fathom. The work plaintiff's counsel did in this capacity – as a solo practitioner no less – is really heartening, especially to one coming from a plaintiffs' personal injury background and currently doing whatever apartment-based motions work I can get.
Oh, so speaking of motions work, my
opposition and cross-motion for summary judgment on a Labor Law case
may have intimidated the defendants into withdrawing their original
motion, lest they get an extremely unfavorable ruling... at least
that's what I'm telling myself was the causative factor.
Anyway, here's to the courage of one's
convictions. And as to stamina, here's to me (hopefully) having
enough of it to read the 500-page decision in the federal case.
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