Trial at 35 weeks--WWYD?

AmandaAllison

I'm an attorney employed at a firm with just two attys (me and the boss). One of our cases is scheduled for trial February 1st. The trial is probably 30 minutes from the hospital at which I'll deliver and 45 mins from home. The trial will likely take a week.

The boss is going on vacation in mid-January (he booked it after the trial was set). He decided that he won't do the trial and I have to handle it myself.

I'll be in my 35th week at that point. The last trial we did (about the same time last year) totally stressed me out. Should I be worried? Should I talk to my midwife about this??

What would you guys do?

JessicaG56

ya that would worry me b/c the the stress that you might have. that is kinda crappy of your boss to not think about you at that point

Anna&Matt

My DH is an attorney and one of his coworkers did a trial at 39 weeks and said it was absolutely fine. It was a 3-day trial and she just talked to the judge ahead of time and explained she might need to run to the bathroom. She did have a co-counsel on the trial in case she went into labor early or had to step out though.

Anna&Matt

Also, FWIW, DH's boss told him he cannot take any more trials once I hit 35 weeks until at least 3 months after we have our baby. They will only give him small motions or hearings until then that someone else could easily cover.

AtlJuneBride

Well, I am an attorney too and have trials scheduled for exactly 2 weeks before my due date.  I am having someone sit with me to help me prepare for them and who will be able to take over if I go into labor.  Since you only have 2 attys it seems like this isn't really an option.  Too much stress can be bad but I'd just try to be aware of my stress level and try to control it as much as possible.  Is there anyone like a law clerk or paralegal that can help you??

fenway2010

I'm an attorney, too, although I don't do trial work.  But the work I do is very intensive and stressful each year in December, due to some external deadlines and heavy workload.  And, that means that I'm sitting here at almost 37 weeks completely overloaded with work (because everyone in my office is overloaded, so it's hard to pass off the work).

FWIW, I did talk to my doctor about the work stress, and he wasn't concerned.  Essentially, this is "routine" stress for me at this point...every December, things are nutty, and it's what I'm used to.  I'm guessing that while trials are stressful for you, it's a normal part of your job that you're used to.  My doctor said he'd be more concerned about "out of the ordinary" stress that I'm not used to, and haven't conditioned myself to handle.

jenny1980

Have you had any BP issues? If not, you're probably fine. Just make sure to take it as easy as possible when you're home that week.

 

ocho2002

Equal rights means equal responsibility.  You do your job,  Obviously, the judge needs to know your situation.  Maybe he/she will continue it.  Ultimately, its your bosses responsibility, so if you go into labor or are ordered to bed rest, he'll have to take over.

AmandaAllison

Thanks to all for the input. I haven't had any problems (knock on wood) and don't anticipate any, but this will be my first time giving birth so I wanted some input. There really isn't anyone I can use as a backup, the office staff isn't experienced in litigation and I'm the one who is doing it. I'm going to try to regulate my stress as much as possible and will let the court and client know the situation when the time is right. Hopefully it all goes well!

rapunzelchick

I am a paralegal and FWIW I think it's the responsibility of your staff to make sure that you are as totally prepared as possible, your pregnancy notwithstanding.  Yes, you are the one who has to show up and sit in the courtroom, but the busy work (exhibits, etc.) should be all set for you well ahead of time.  Make thorough to-do lists for everyone and prioritize the items on there.  Get them started early.  Delegate!