Berks Barrister Summer 2019 - 17

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one to "push your limit," be
competitive, and also "do
something you're afraid of." In
no uncertain terms, she says,
"It's scary!"

How do they view their
mud races as affecting the
practice of law? The races make
them feel more comfortable
in court. Shockingly, Christie
admits she has a fear of public
speaking. For her, to "get up and
do a jury trial is a challenge."
Steph agrees, and offers
that her experience as a Les
Mills-certified group fitness
instructor has also helped with
jury trials. Practicing confidence
in athleticism, she says, means
getting up in the front of a
group fitness room and telling people what to do. That skill transfers to the courtroom
because "you have to tell the jury what's going on."

And for a deeper thought? Both attorneys claim that the races positively affect
coworker relationships. Steph begins: "Once you go through that -" and Christie
finishes "-you have a good bond!" (I am pretty sure finishing each other's sentences is a
strong indicator of a positive connection.)
To serve as an Assistant Public Defender is a tough job. The job is constantly
adversarial, the workload is tremendous, and the schedule can be demanding. What's
more, clients may not trust you, they think you work for the other side, they do not
think you are an attorney, or they will even ask "what classes do you take at RACC?"
Christie recounts these as both of the women roll their eyes.

As attorneys, stress comes with the
territory, but for these two criminal minds,
the mud runs give them some muchneeded fun. The races provide a distraction
from the rigors of the job, and make you
feel "like a little kid" as you de-stress,
Steph says.
Fortune cookies come to the lunch
table. While reaching for one, I ask the
two what our fortune will say. Steph,
laughing, prophesies: "The bruises will
heal, but the glory will last forever!"
Ms. Bloom White is an Assistant
County Solicitor for Berks County
Children & Youth Services.

UP FOR A CHALLENGE?
If you are inspired by Steph and Christie and
want to push yourself to the limit, here's how to
get more information about some of the events
they have competed in over the past few years.
WARRIOR DASH September 28 at Pocono
Speedway in Long Pond, PA.
Visit www.warriordash.com
TOUGH MUDDER May 16 and 17, 2020 at
Plantation Field in Coatesville, PA.
Visit www.toughmudder.com
RUGGED MANIAC Information about upcoming
events can be found at www.lestdothis.com.

Summer 2019 | 17
http://www.warriordash.com http://www.toughmudder.com http://www.lestdothis.com http://orrstown.com
Berks Barrister Summer 2019

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