Hello from the offices of the Federal Public Defender in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Hato Ray, to be exact). I'm in my first week of co-op here, and loving it. Already I have watched oral arguments at the 1st Circuit, met with a number of District Court judges, interacted with Assistant United States Attorneys, and attended my first sentencing hearings...AND I've already been approved to visit the Federal Detention Center here in San Juan. Wow.

So I'm thrilled. The people here in the office are great - so enthusiastic about their work, and so welcoming. From what I have observed, the job of Federal Defender is incredibly active and varied, and more social than I expected. You have to be able to interact with clients and their families, field calls from different people all day, rush back and forth from the courthouse to meet with judges and opposing counsel, and still find time to conduct your legal research and writing! Attorneys here can have over 40 cases at one time. That would be a lot for anyone, but for attorneys who are passionate about providing great representation and are their clients only hope, it's even more pressure. I have so much respect for public defenders already, and these ones (who conduct themselves in two languages no less!) are only increasing my awe.

Other than work, the rest of PR is great too! I feel so lucky to be here. I get to hear both Spanish and English every day, enjoy nearly perfect weather, and be immersed in a new culture. Really, no complaints! It's probably the first time since I started law school that I haven't been whining.