Jurist — continued from Page 22
start out with integrity and rise to the top because of it, not in spite of it. I was sur- prisingly impressed, I recall, with one particular incident in my court that spoke volumes. As all attorneys should know, their antics in the courtroom when the judge is not on the bench are relayed back to the judge. I had one such instance when one
340 Golden Shore, Suite 400 Long Beach, Ca 90802
side was obnoxiously demanding and unreasonable about something. The opposing attorney, a female trial lawyer, refused to rise to the bait and calmly and firmly repeated her position regarding whatever the issue was. Only after the matter was called and completed did my staff tell me about the obnoxious behav- ior. Of great surprise to me, after the fact, was that the female attorney could have said something. She could have complained or advised me of the “prob- lems communicating with opposing counsel” or some other standard euphe- mism for offensive behavior. To her great credit, she never said a word. She never criticized him or his positions and the issue was simply never raised. To this day I remain impressed and remember her as a real professional. This did not relate to her gender, but did relate to the grace and integrity that show up in the best of the best. So, in finding that I am rambling a
bit about good trial lawyers, I can start out with the best qualities of trial lawyers, then comment on how typical feminine traits either work for or against these qualities.
What makes them the best? The best trial lawyers are always
themselves. They appear genuine. They behave the same in front of the judge as they do in front of jurors, opposing coun- sel and court staff. They don’t put on a different persona or attitude. They are the same at a social function as they are in a courtroom. • The best trial lawyers are unfail-
ingly courteous and well prepared. • The best trial lawyers successfully convey their absolute belief in their
See Jurist, Page 26 24 — The Advocate Magazine FEBRUARY 2012
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