Life of a solicitor

Hi guys. A little update from London. Today I went to the Royal Courts of Justice to lodge my first document with the court. (In the U.S., we "file" documents with the court -- sounds like they're putting it away to ignore it. Here they "lodge" them -- shove them right up the court's ass, where it hurts the most.) What a beautiful building that is; it's designed like a cathedral.

Well, I now remember that April is the month for psychotic weather in England. Over the course of three days, I saw snowflakes, hail, rain, and sunshine. Sunday was great. I went to the park and was outside in a T-shirt. Now it's getting cold again for a while.

They have an election here in May. Black Tony Blair is up against Michael Howard of the conservative party (I don't know if he's black or not).

The area where I work is called Aldgate. It is on the east side of the very center of town, which is, in the technical sense, the City of London. In the parlance of the legal industry (and I think that of many industries) it is referred to as the "City". Apparently, the shipping industry has been in this particular part of town for centuries. I believe the original Lloyds was somewhere around here. I am about an eight-minute walk from the Tower of London, the old fort where I think they still keep the Crown Jewels. I, of course, still keep my family jewels safely inside my "tighty-whities" (extra funny when pronounced with three proper British "t" sounds -- go on, try it!).

The work is really interesting. They are all claims relating to ships. Some are charterparties -- contracts where ships' owners let out vessels to different companies. The claims arise all over the world, and I don't just mean North America and Europe. I mean Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, India, Singapore, China, Brazil, et cetera. I really like the work.

I am also learning a lot about the quirky English civil procedure. The US is so well organised when it comes to the judiciary (I did that on purpose!). Moreover, the US is able to coordinate the jurisdictions of 49 states, plus weird-ass Louisiana, plus D.C., plus Puerto Rico, plus other jurisdictions like U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and other stuff -- then on top of that a single federal judiciary. Amazing! Here, they have the burden of incorporating centuries of tradition, which is very difficult to just throw out the window. In the U.S., we were able to re-think a lot of things and create an all-new system based on what had been learned.

London is a great town. There is lots to do, and, even though it is an outrageously expensive place to live, there is a lot going on for free if you look hard enough. Me and sweet lady plan on becoming experts. By the way, Parisa sends her regards to all of you, and we look forward to seeing you here and back home. I would like to start trying to plan a Stu Crew UK re-union. Maybe we can do it this summer if the homies are able. Otherwise, maybe we can try the fall (September or October). Ma and Pa are going to try to come at the end of May/beginning of June. Also, Parisa and I are going to Romania for a few days at the end of July for Jerome's wedding. Hey Jose, Miguel, remember the dude from Trinidad that lived in the dorm? Getting married in Romania on Y Guy's birthday! Why Romania? His wife is from there, but they're living here in London. Should be great fun.

Well, my people, I miss you all. I'll bring you more news soon.

Juan
Mobile +44 (0)78 9191 9372
Dialing from U.S. 011 44 78 9191 9372