Karin DeMasi's Rotation History

“In my first rotation, I worked on a federal jury trial that went to verdict; even as the most junior member of the team, I was in court every day and responsible for preparing several witnesses. In my next rotation, I began running cases, assumed the lead associate role on several briefs, took and defended numerous depositions, took the direct and cross-examination of fact and expert witnesses at an international arbitration trial, participated in a federal bench trial and argued my first motion to dismiss. My next rotation brought another federal jury trial, as well as the opportunity to run a multi-suit securities matter where I focused on litigation strategy, client interaction and negotiations with opposing counsel (a partner at his firm, though I was only a fourth-year associate at the time). As a fifth-year associate, I was rotated again to serve as the senior associate on the recently filed, multi-district Enron securities litigation, in which we represented Credit Suisse in more than 20 actions in federal, state and bankruptcy court. While working with two partners in managing those cases day-to-day, I also took on my own pro bono case for a prisoner, a case that gave me numerous appearances and arguments in federal court. After a final rotation, in which I worked on a variety of matters, including another trial, I was elected partner while expecting the first of my four sons. Though I had five rotations, each of which provided me with mentors whose guidance has shaped my career, I worked with 19 litigation partners in my years as an associate.

“While I consider myself fortunate to have had such training, my experience is not unique. The rotation system ensures that each associate will be challenged to learn and achieve as much as she possibly can. All it asks in return is that you do your best and be a mentor to your colleagues behind you.”