Congratulations To Those Lawyers Who Just Passed the Bar Exam!

Here are some words of wisdom for those joining me in the hurly burly practice of divorce law:

•  Credibility is everything.  Never lie to the court, your client, or your opponent.  Once you lose your credibility, your ability to advocate is forever tarnished.

• Balance being aggressive and being courteous.  It’s okay to disagree without being disagreeable.

• Your client may not know the level of your legal skill but if you look sharp and act professional their perceptions will be positive.

• Always strive to be the most prepared lawyer in the courtroom.  Your opponent may be smarter or more experienced but they can never outwork you.

• Don’t ever be afraid of trying cases or having hearings.  Learn how to try cases. Good trial lawyers don’t have to settle short because of fear of the courtroom.

• Don’t threaten or argue.  This connotes fear.  Quietly prepare and take it to the judge for resolution.

• Don’t become paralyzed by a fear of losing.  Concentrate on performance not outcome.  Remember – it’s not your life!

• Don’t be a slacker.  Speed and diligence make you more effective and let you negotiate from a position of strength.

• Nobody ever said it’s supposed to be easy!

• All economic rewards from the law derive from productivity, efficiency and effectiveness. Make it happen. Don't push paper.

• Your goal should be excellence in all endeavors.

• Don’t let it get personal!

• At all times among your regular reading read books on trial advocacy, legal writing and legal biography.

• Don’t be a wimp.  Wimps don’t belong in this business.

• Be a meticulous proofreader. Sloppy mistakes cost time, money and most importantly credibility.

• For every minute you spend planning you will save 3 minutes.

• We are a service business.  Treat all clients with respect. 

•  Keep current with the law, substantive, procedural and evidentiary.

• Don’t argue with judges.  You will lose.

•  Keep a journal of legal aphorisms and personal experience, as a learning tool.  Review it often.

• Write down professional and productivity goals.

• Watch and learn from the greats in our profession.  Ask them questions. Trial lawyers love to talk about themselves.

• Learn how to appreciate martinis.

• Fear no one.

• Maintain physical, mental, and spiritual balance.

• Return all calls within 24 hours.

• Nobody ever got into trouble listening.  Sometimes silence is indeed golden.