So as the title of this post may suggest, I once again will be writing about the wildlife. First, I had moose for the first time on Tuesday night. Actually, it was the main ingredient in Moose Chili and it was DELICIOUS! It's not gamey at all, but has a good flavor (at least in chili). I highly recommend it. I also have reindeer sausage in my freezer, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Marina and Joe on Thursday (this is as close to "foodie" culture as we get up here).
I also had my first downtown bear sighting last night which was pretty awesome (at least, I think so...mostly because I was located at a safe viewing distance). Bears walk around downtown all the time (allegedly), but I (and most of the clerks) always seem to miss them. I've heard neighbors chatting about the bears they saw here or there, but I never seem to encounter them (unfortunately? fortunately?). However, on my way back up the hill from trivia, one hungry guy had gotten into a trash can. Luckily, there was a couple that stopped me before I got close, pointed out the animal and ensured I didn't get too close. I was beside myself with excitement. I'm obviously a super authentic Alaskan now.
I have started getting questions about my job. After all, it may seem like all I do up here is drink and hike. And while I enjoy those activities, I actually work quite a bit as well. So why not share the detes? Well, it's actually a strategic move. Most (or all) of the cases I work on are strictly confidential. The court is very concerned with ensuring that nobody finds out who is writing the opinion until after the case is published and if people know I am working on a case and they know that I work in Bud's chambers, it's pretty easy to find that out ahead of time. I get it; what does this have to do with all you lovely people a zillion miles away? More than you think. Juneau (and Alaska, in general) is a small legal community and word travels fast. Most people have family or friends down south and a little slip here or there can be more significant than it seems. (For example, we had oral arguments in Juneau last Friday. I walk into the courtroom for the first case and who is arguing it? The father of a good friend from law school, who I've already met. SMALL WORLD.) Hence, I have been erring on the side of non-disclosure.
Suffice it to say, I love my job. It is truly one of the best jobs I will probably ever have as a lawyer. Besides the flexibility that Bud allows us to have, he really values our opinion and our advice on cases. What I say about deciding important questions of law really matters to Bud and the other justices and although I feel like some of this responsibility is unwarranted, it is nice to be respected. I have worked on some really important cases (some that you too would find interesting and some that may cause you to chuckle). I would not be surprised if a few of them made it to the U.S. Supreme Court. I'm actually acting like a lawyer and recommending outcomes based on precedent, the strength of the arguments and any overriding policy considerations. My co-clerks and I discuss cases all the time (after all, they're the only people that I can talk to about cases) and sometimes we spend tons of time working through arguments or reasoning through our suggested opinions. Sometimes, we also play ping pong in Bud's office (which we did today). It's both intellectually fulfilling, challenging and fun (in a nerdy sort of way). Of course, all this work only has me questioning what I want to do next...where do you go when you start with such a good experience? Thoughts?!
Also, I want to hear how you are doing, but I know I suck at calling people (especially with the time difference). Send me an email and let me know you're still alive!
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