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January 31, 2007
Sensitive Litigation Moment: Ask WAC? about...The Media.
Trial lawyer Jack Carson (not his real name) from Shaker Heights, Ohio, writes in:
Dear WAC?: I'm 8 years out of school, I just made partner, and I try cases in federal courts. I know my evidence, and juries love me. But I'm new in town--in what you call a LawyerTown, not a ClientTown--and none of the lawyers in town outside of my firm, and none of the the judges, seem to "like" me yet. So my clients and I sometimes get shortchanged on the law and procedural matters--the "townies" can win on some issues just by showing up. What should I do? Respectfully yours, Shaker Jack
So we give Shaker Jack this somewhat cryptic, but useful, client-oriented response:
Dear Jack: LawyerTown Townies are a big-ass problem; insecure judges often look to them for cues. So in addition to demanding jury trials in your actions, you should make journalists your friends. Start today. Generally speaking, whether you try cases or not, be like Bob Strauss, the non-litigating Washington, DC lawyer legend. Make reporters, broadcasters and writers your friends before you need them. Use them sparingly and in the right way. Sincerely yours, WAC?
Posted by JD Hull at January 31, 2007 11:59 PM