Gabriella Olivieri Publications Portfolio Public Service Program Brochure | Page 4

PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM The Program has three different segments: Tort Trial Participants Deposition Participants In-House Firm Participants “ Our participation in the Public Service Program has been a terri?c experience. Simpson Thacher lawyers have had the opportunity to try cases to juries while rendering valuable assistance to the City in a time of extreme ?nancial hardship. Our relationship with the Law Department is a true partnership; the o?ce provides continual support and guidance once it has referred a case. William T. Russell, Jr. Partner and Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP TORT TRIAL PARTICIPANTS “ Working in the Manhattan Trial Unit is an invaluable experience. Trying a different case each week is so dynamic, and I have de?nitely gained the skills I was hoping to acquire through this externship. It truly has been a pleasure working with, and learning from, the exceptional attorneys in this o?ce. Sarah Yardeni Associate Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Tort Trial Participant “ Volunteer mid-level associates work full-time in the Law Department’s Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan or Queens Tort Division offices for four to six months, where they experience all aspects of civil trial work including arguing motions, picking juries, examining witnesses, and presenting opening and closing statements. This continues to be an extraordinary opportunity for firm associates to gain substantial courtroom experience in a relatively short time. Associates are assigned multiple trial-ready cases during their service, leading to the possibility of obtaining numerous settlements and verdicts. DEPOSITION PARTICIPANTS “ Volunteer associates obtain hands-on experience conducting depositions in tort cases, which range from individual damages actions to complex class actions and multi-party litigation. Deposition schedules can be tailored to meet the needs of the firm. Deposition participants have also provided assistance to the Law Department’s Special Federal Litigation Division in high-profile federal court matters, including the 2004 Republican National Convention, Central Park Jogger, and Critical Mass bicycle cases. IN-HOUSE FIRM PARTICIPANTS Firms take newly filed tort and Section 1983 matters in-house, giving partners and associates the chance to handle cases from inception to disposition. This includes participation in depositions, motion practice, court conferences, settlement negotiations, and, ultimately, trials. Issues handled have included premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, inadequate supervision, wrongful incarceration, false arrest, and malicious prosecution. A new feature is the addition of trial-ready cases, in which firms take on cases for trial only. These cases are handled at the Law Department during the pre-trial stage.