In an order written by U.S. District Judge Lucy H. Koh, Uber Technologies Inc. was asked to allow one of its associates argue motions in X One Inc. v. Uber Technologies Inc.
Finnegan client X One sued Uber for infringing two of its patents that allow Uber riders to track the drivers' location. After having trouble scheduling hearings on dispositive motions, Finnegan attorney Doris Johnson Hines offered to allow an associate take the lead on the arguments. To even things out, Judge Koh asked Uber to offer the same. Just Koh wrote, "The court often finds matters appropriate for resolution without oral argument. However, to encourage the parties to give associates opportunities to argue substantive motions, the court will guarantee a hearing on the dispositive motions if both parties allow associates who graduated from law school in 2009 or later to argue such motions." Judge Koh’s order is the most recent call from judges seeking to boost young lawyers' experience in court. Hines said, "[When clients approve], Finnegan fully embraces providing these opportunities to associates. For their development and growth, it's important for associates to appear and argue in court when possible. Young lawyers are often up to this task and Finnegan prepares associates by, among other things, involving them in making strategic decisions and having moot courts to prepare for arguments."