I think great lawyering is all about preparation. A lot of non- lawyers think of an attorney’s work as being centered
in the courtroom, presenting their case to a jury. That actually, of course, is part of what we do, but it’s a
relatively small part. Um, the case begins years before the trial. We spend
a significant amount of time interacting particularly in the setting of our medical malpractice cases. Uh
interacting with expert witnesses, identifying key records, ensuring that we have all of the medical records at
issue. Uh and then going on to take the uh depositions of of critical witnesses,
including the physicians and other providers whose care may be at issue.
I think terrific trial lawyers really share three qualities. Uh and those include preparation,
professionalism, and poise. And and I don’t mean to be corny about this and and alliteration and think of how many
letter or how many words that start with P, but I just find that that all of those are so very important to what we
do in the courtroom. And I’ll tell you why. Preparation, of course, knowing the the critical evidence and presenting it
um through through the witness, through the documents and being prepared for what comes on uh cross-examination with
some of these difficult witnesses. It’s preparation.
Secondly, professionalism. How you conduct yourself matters. um that you are presenting yourself with integrity
and respect for the process and the participants. Um those participants of course include the judge. That goes
without saying. Um but as important to uh to to be respectful toward all of the
participants. That includes court staff, opposing counsel, uh other uh witnesses
in the case. Um, and the reason that’s important is the jury is assessing you
at every stage, at every move. It is important for you to build credibility with them and on a larger scale to uh
bolster your own professional reputation and the reputation of your firm. And finally, poise. poise is the ability to
uh react to the unexpected and a trial lawyer has to be able to do
that. I’ll tell you it is expected that there’s going to come a tri a part of the trial that is
surprising to you. a witness uh testifies in a way that that was not expected or perhaps the judge has issued
a lastm minute ruling that has some that has changed your strategy or your focus somewhat. You have to roll with it. You
have to uh maintain confidence and stay calm, cool and collected. And again, the jury is is assessing you and assessing
your client’s uh case through through through your presentation.