Alexandria, VA criminal defense attorney Chris Leibig talks about what it takes to be successful in the courtroom. He emphasizes that one of the most important qualities for a lawyer is being comfortable with oneself and maintaining authenticity. While there are many different styles of advocacy, he notes that courtroom success ultimately depends not on style or presentation, but on results.

For him, confidence, preparation, and being genuine are key. A lawyer should aim to remain composed under pressure, adapt to unexpected developments, and manage the natural ups and downs of a hearing, trial, or the trajectory of an entire case. He stresses that trying to fake confidence or adopt a persona that does not feel natural is counterproductive; being oneself, combined with thorough preparation, is the foundation for effective advocacy.