PIMA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
Joseph Siml
The David A. Paige Foundation awarded Joseph Siml (’27) its fourth full-time summer externship with a Pima County Superior Court Judge on the Civil Bench. As a young lawyer, David was greatly influenced by his mentors and in turn was intentional about his role in guiding young lawyers. Those who David mentored valued the legal training he provided, and several went on to become judges in Tucson.
“I feel very fortunate to have externed with Judge Sakall for my 1L summer through the David A. Paige Foundation. Judge Sakall is an incredible jurist, and I learned much from him.
“Throughout the summer, I got to improve my legal writing and research skills under Judge Sakall’s watchful eye. I worked on rulings, orders, and memos both short and long. My favorite writing project of the summer examined unresolved Arizona case law on how violations of Arizona’s Ethical Rules for Lawyers affect transactional work. It was so exciting to see the concepts that I learned about in 1L year coming to life dramatically in real cases, with real people, with real impacts.
“Research and writing were not the only ways I got to continue my legal education over the summer. I also attended hearings, trials, settlement conferences, and spoke with judges and attorneys. Watching trials gave me a chance to see my legal education in action. I particularly enjoyed seeing attorneys use the rules of evidence in trial.
“While the trials never failed to be interesting and informative, by far the highlight of my summer was watching Judge Sakall conduct settlement conferences. It was apparent to me almost immediately that he enjoys a strong reputation for his mediation skills, and after watching him, I can see why. He has a tremendous ability to build consensus at moments when anyone else would simply give up. I watched Judge Sakall turn warring parties to peace multiple times when I thought that any attempt at settlement was utterly impossible. I learned so much simply by attending these conferences, and they have awakened in me an interest for mediation.
“Additionally, Judge Sakall’s interactions with parties at these conferences, and in the courtroom, also taught me about the qualities of a good judge. He is always patient, even with the most difficult people, and he firmly held the line of judicial impartiality.
“Overall, I am very glad that I got to spend my 1L summer with Judge Sakall at Pima County Superior Court. From the very moment I set foot in his chambers, I felt like a welcome part of the team. Judge Sakall’s JAA, Terri, and his law clerk Luis also took great lengths to welcome me and make me feel at home. I remain deeply grateful to Judge Sakall, his team, and the David A. Paige Foundation for making this summer possible.”
Diana Vega German
Having the opportunity to complete a judicial externship under the supervision of Judge Greg Sakall has been an invaluable experience that taught me to view the legal field in a new light. Anyone can admire his knowledge of the law and respect for court proceedings. His mentorship and dedication to his work are appreciated by his externs, law clerks, and colleagues. This summer, I not only had the opportunity to be in an environment that completely exposed me to the legal field but also worked with one of the most efficient and organized teams. Judge Sakall’s JAA, Terri Mayou, and his law clerk, Munjer Mazumder, were fantastic at instructing me on protocols, law, and Judge Sakall’s preferred work style. From the beginning, I felt entirely at home with the team, which helped my learning process throughout the summer.
Although working in Judge Sakall’s chambers was the highlight of my summer, I also got to meet and work with courtroom clerks, court reporters, and my colleagues, who were completing externships with other judges and had knowledgeable and insightful conversations with other judges regarding their cases. My favorite part of learning is hearing from various perspectives and being in a position where I was allowed to take time to listen not only to the judges in various proceedings but also to the courtroom clerks, court reporters, bailiffs, attorneys, and law clerks is something that helps me learn how to be a better attorney. Though not many people think about every person who helps the court run, every person plays an integral role in helping manage the court, and as a future attorney, taking their experiences and perspectives into consideration will only help me be a better advocate.
This summer, I worked on various projects that exposed me to new experiences I had not had. I participated in drafting rulings, orders, and short memos and practiced presenting oral findings on specific questions or topics Judge Sakall asked me to research. The feedback I received from Judge Sakall on my writing this summer was helpful and very much appreciated. I admire his dedication to helping his clerks succeed and become the best advocates we can be, and I feel grateful to have had this opportunity to work with him this past summer. His open-door policy and receptiveness to answering any question I had allowed me to learn as much as I could from him.
While my externship focused on writing and research, I also observed various proceedings this summer, including motions, orders of protection, name changes, sentencings, bench trials, and jury trials. The jury trials I observed in civil and criminal law helped me understand how attorneys prepare for trial and helped me apply what I was learning in my Evidence course this summer. My Evidence was also helpful in observing bench trials in the family and probate matters. Talking to attorneys before and after proceedings gave me an insight into the issues they deal with and the strategies they implement to overcome them. Speaking to Judge Sakall and other judges in Pima County Superior Court also gave me an insight into how judges think and react regarding cases. My favorite part of jury trials was watching how attorneys used strategies and how the jury responded to each one. My favorite part of bench trials was returning to Chambers and deliberating with Judge Sakall and the legal team. Hearing what each person had to say was very interesting and helped me better understand the cases and the arguments I was making. Learning how to prepare jury binders and escorting jurors at the beginning and conclusion of cases was also a great experience.
Overall, working at Pima County Superior Court was a memorable and wonderful experience. I will cherish all the knowledge and experience I gained from every person I interacted with and asked questions to. Working alongside Judge Sakall and his legal team was an honor. I will be forever grateful to Judge Sakall and the David A. Paige Foundation for the opportunity I was given. As someone who wants to give back to her community when I become a practicing attorney, being a part of such a wonderful organization and having received mentorship from someone as dedicated to his legal community as Judge Sakall will inspire me for years to come.
HANNAH BABA
The David A. Paige Foundation awarded Hannah Baba (’25) its second full-time summer externship with a Pima County Superior Court Judge on the Civil Bench. Hannah has demonstrated academic excellence during her undergraduate (Bachelor of Arts, Law) and her first year of law school at the University of Arizona. The Foundation appreciated her “deep-rooted connection with Tucson” and her desire to become a mentor within her law school peer group and surrounding community. The DAPF also recognized Hannah’s “personal interest in advocacy within civil litigation and how this externship opportunity would allow me to help members of my community that are underrepresented.” The Superior Court judge that supervised Hannah’s summer externship appreciated her motivation and eagerness to learn as much as she could during the externship.
“Working with Judge McGinley was an eye-opening, amazing experience that taught me a lot about the legal world and informed me on what direction I want to go in my legal career. Judge McGinley himself was great to work with, knowledgeable, and incredibly thoughtful during court proceedings. Judge McGinley’s JAA, Lucas Kimes, and his law clerk, Theophilus Abolarin, were also very knowledgeable and helpful people. Judge McGinley and his team made me feel welcome while also teaching me practical lessons in the legal field.
“I was able to participate in our local legal system by drafting rulings, writing memos, and advising the Judge on specific legal questions asked of me. I was able to observe numerous proceedings including motions, orders of protection, sentencing, and jury trials. The jury trials I observed, whether it be civil or criminal trials, taught me how lawyers prepare for litigation and how they can maintain a connection with the jury through oral arguments. I was able to absorb so much information in such a short period of time and the work that Judge McGinley gave me helped give me the confidence that I can produce work that I am knowledgeable about. I enjoyed having that opportunity to research and write on a variety of different issues spanning from contractual torts, deed restrictions, and corporate operating agreements.
“Aside from court proceedings and trials, I learned about the inner workings of a courthouse. There are so many people who help court proceedings stay efficient in addition to judges including JAAs, clerks, court reporters, tech support, security, and other administrative personnel. All such persons are important to the legal system, which is something I did not realize before participating in this externship. I have a newfound respect for the Pima County Superior Court and other courts like it as many important issues are being dealt with in such buildings.
“Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Pima County Superior Court. It was an honor to work alongside Judge McGinley and his team. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to show what I can bring to the legal field and I am excited to keep pursuing opportunities within the civil side of law. This externship was truly invaluable in helping me learn more about the legal system and how I can participate in it.”
The David A. Paige Foundation has committed to funding a full-time judicial clerkship with a Pima County Superior Court Judge on the Civil Bench in the summer of 2024.
Vedat Teke
In 2022, The David A Paige Foundation awarded Vedat Teke (’23) its inaugural full-time summer externship with a Pima County Superior Court judge on the Civil Bench. As branch director and public representative at the Sema Foundation, Vedat sharpened his research and writing skills. Vedat was committed to improving these skills and had a genuine desire to learn about the law from a judge’s perspective. The Foundation also appreciated Vedat’s volunteer efforts with the Anatolia Turkish-American Cultural Center and his involvement in the University of Arizona College of Law’s different student groups. Vedat also earned his Bachelor of Law from the University of Ankara College of Law in Ankara, Turkey.
“During the externship with Judge Gordon, all my expectations were perfectly met. First and foremost, I benefited substantially from Judge Gordon’s assignments, feedback, and explanation of difficult topics. Most importantly, Judge Gordon’s teaching experience and education methods helped me to absorb complicated matters easily. During the externship, I observed so many different trials and court proceeding such as civil and criminal jury trials, bench trials and oral arguments.
“I also acquired legal, social, and administrative skills. Firstly, I learned many different legal concepts such as the legal process of a case, jury deliberations, civil law subjects and trial motions. Also, I learned how to communicate with other people in a legal setting like lawyers, law clerks, judicial assistants, and reporters. Furthermore, I learned how to work with people from different backgrounds and professions in a court setting while observing how Judge Gordon dealt with the plaintiffs and defendants in his courtroom.
“Overall, it was a real privilege for me to work with Judge Gordon as a David A. Paige Foundation scholar. The experience and skills that I acquired through the externship will definitely help me in my legal education and future career. I believe that this program is a great opportunity for law students to have legal experience and get ready for the practice of law.”
The David A. Paige Foundation has committed to funding a full-time judicial clerkship with a Pima County Superior Court Judge on the Civil Bench in the summer of 2023.