Chicago, IL commercial litigation attorney Gal Pissetzky explains what it takes to be successful in the courtroom. Success in the courtroom requires passion and dedication to the work at hand. He firmly believes that judges and juries recognize and respond to that passion, as well as the depth of knowledge that comes from thorough preparation. Being prepared provides the necessary foundation to present effectively to a jury or a judge.

He emphasizes that no attorney should ever enter a courtroom or trial unprepared. In his experience, some attorneys open their files for the first time immediately before a motion or hearing—a practice he considers unacceptable. Prior to trial, he allocates several weeks for preparation and typically handles at least one jury trial per month, ensuring ample time to study the case in depth. He never schedules back-to-back jury trials, understanding that doing so would compromise the quality of representation for his clients. When he enters the courtroom, he is fully prepared and confident in his knowledge of the case.