A New Generation of Law

I'm not a lawyer and I don't play one on TV, but I do know an excellent attorney in the 573.  She is a dynamo and works on the federal level, defending people accused of federal crimes. Yup, she works with the big dogs.  Recently, we found out that she had four interns working with her on a case.  Ok, I can see one or maybe two, but that wouldn't be her style.  Nope, she's giving five young adults from all over the kingdom an opportunity, and we got to meet them in the lion's den.  Who better to lead a group of starry-eyed young hopefuls across the eastern side of Missouri, deglamorizing the profession and possibly saving them a mountain of student loan debt? 

According to her interns, however, she is an abysmal failure at convincing them not to become lawyers. Meet Cira Duffe and her band of soon-to-be new generation in law.  

Cira Duffe is inspring a new generation of creative legal minds.

My name is Cira Duffe.  I'm a partner in the law firm of Hartmann, Duffe & Pegram in Farmington, Missouri. I was born and raised in the 573 and returned to the area to practice law and raise my (practically perfect in every way) daughter close to my family. My law partners, Seth Pegram and Chris Hartmann, make space in both our office and their schedules every summer for the intern invasion. 

I earned my law degree from St. Louis University School of Law in 1998.  

I was an intern!  I interned with giants in the St. Louis criminal defense community through clinics at SLU, through the Missouri State Public Defenders office in both St. Louis City and St. Louis County offices, in the Circuit Attorney's office in the City of St. Louis and with the private bar in both the City of St. Louis and here, in St. Francois county. 

Cira Duffe with her bright minds. BTW, she doesnt really have a NOT GUILTY tattoo—we just thought it works.

https://www.fisherfurniture.net/

Every summer, I host a class of student interns who aspire to be lawyers. I believe we become what we see, so, to that end, the interns in our office (after signing the requisite confidentiality agreements) are assigned an open, active criminal case to work on in addition to attending and observing court dockets, participating in meet-and-greets with local judges and attorneys, traveling to jail and observing visits with clients, sitting in on client meetings, and having "24/7" access to attorneys with decades of experience and expertise.  Working on developing the next generation of legal minds is one of the most enjoyable things I do as an attorney.

Cira gives us some intern insight.

Hartmann, Duffe & Pegram—criminal, DWI/DUI, civil, family and bankruptcy, with an emphasis on complex legal matters and litigation.

Breanne White, 4th year at Farmington High School

I learned about Bonds, the process of a criminal case, how federal cases work, the different departments involved, and so much more. Honestly, it was boring at times. By that, I mean I thought you always were doing fun law stuff, but you write papers and do paperwork.  It's incredible how close you can get with your clients; they aren't just a case, they are people who put their trust in you. That is the most surprising and interesting part.  The best part of the internship was working with Ms. Duffe. She was a fantastic teacher, and I enjoyed working alongside her the entire experience!

https://hoodshomecenters.com/farmington-mo/

Levi Johnson, 3rd year at SLU Business School / just took his LSAT (law school admissions/aptitude test)

The most surprising thing about my internship is how much I have enjoyed it and how much I got to do. Helping brainstorm ideas and compile files for a talented attorney has been a rewarding experience. I learned too much to put into an answer.  The most significant challenge is coordinating everyone's schedules to set a trial date.  Being a lawyer is definitely what I expected it to be. Ms. Duffe is a great attorney—she knows how to phrase things in a way her clients fully understand.

https://visitperrycounty.com/

Kate Northern, 2nd year at Washington University

Law is not nearly as glamorous or exciting as most shows depict it, but my heart is still set on becoming a lawyer, especially in defense.  Ms. Duffe was the perfect model for what criminal defense is—making sure the legal process is fair to all people, no matter their circumstances.  I learned a lot about the process of law, especially federal law, but I still have a long way to go.  I haven't watched many lawyer or cop dramas, unless you count My Cousin Vinny, so my expectations were primarily based on what my parents discussed. As it turns out, law is less about making many arguments all the time, but instead one excellent argument once per case when it comes to criminal law. You only have one chance, and you have to get it right.  Ms. Duffe is, to be frank, pretty awesome. She's dedicated to her work and her family, but still has time to show interns the ropes, and we are all grateful it was her! 

https://visitcape.com/

Aidan Miller, 3rd year at Lesterville High School

People have no idea all the work that goes into preparing for trial before you step into a courtroom.  I thought we would be focusing primarily on Ms. Duffe's cases, but she took us to see other cases so we could gain a comprehensive legal experience.  Interning under Ms. Duffe was a fantastic experience; it was one of the best I have had, and I'd do it all over again if I could.

https://www.edg-clif.com/

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We are so lucky in the 573 to have so many talented EVERYDAY people willing to share their lives with others, just to be doing it all without fanfare or horn blowing. Way to go, Cira, you are truly what makes this place great!

Words and pics Supreme Leader

Get Out There! Create something. Learn something new. Start a garden.  Start a business. Do something.  Do anything. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you. 

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