1. Why did choose to work at my office?
◊ Because I wanted to work for myself, so I could do things my way.
2. How did I end up doing what I do?
◊ I spent 4 years at Harvard being fed the Kool Aid that I was special and I had to do something extraordinary with my life. Thus there were three choices after an undergraduate degree: Law School, Business School or Medical School. I chose law-not with a burning passion, I just had to choose one of the three. The passion came later.
3. What are my main duties and responsibilities?
◊ To aid persons who are in trouble with the law and try to help them have the promise of a life after the criminal process is over. Best result is an acquittal. Such is not always possible. Also to pay the bills.
4. What should I know before starting work?
◊ You can’t do well unless you enjoy what you do. Having fun is not a sign of not caring or non-professionalism.
5. What is a typical work day like?
◊ Starts at 0800 and goes until the work is finished. In my case that is a 7 day a week process. Lots of online research and communication-clients, potential clients, the court, the opposition. Some meetings with clients and appearing in court.
6. Purpose of the organization?
◊ To serve the needs of clients by defending them against accusations of wrongdoing.
7. How important is getting along?
◊ The essence of practicing criminal law is selling yourself and your client’s causes. If you don’t get along, no sales occur.
8. What other traits. skills or knowledge are important?
◊ Intelligence, salesmanship, being able to listen with insight, empathy, ability to be non-judgmental, passion for the law and the cause of your client, a nose for BS, integrity, a love of language, doggedness, a commitment to the community your serve and an ability to forgive your opponent are but a few.
9. A good ending question:
◊ Why haven’t I retired after almost 52 years of practicing law? It is a great marriage and I don’t want to leave it while I am still vertical.
◊ Because I wanted to work for myself, so I could do things my way.
2. How did I end up doing what I do?
◊ I spent 4 years at Harvard being fed the Kool Aid that I was special and I had to do something extraordinary with my life. Thus there were three choices after an undergraduate degree: Law School, Business School or Medical School. I chose law-not with a burning passion, I just had to choose one of the three. The passion came later.
3. What are my main duties and responsibilities?
◊ To aid persons who are in trouble with the law and try to help them have the promise of a life after the criminal process is over. Best result is an acquittal. Such is not always possible. Also to pay the bills.
4. What should I know before starting work?
◊ You can’t do well unless you enjoy what you do. Having fun is not a sign of not caring or non-professionalism.
5. What is a typical work day like?
◊ Starts at 0800 and goes until the work is finished. In my case that is a 7 day a week process. Lots of online research and communication-clients, potential clients, the court, the opposition. Some meetings with clients and appearing in court.
6. Purpose of the organization?
◊ To serve the needs of clients by defending them against accusations of wrongdoing.
7. How important is getting along?
◊ The essence of practicing criminal law is selling yourself and your client’s causes. If you don’t get along, no sales occur.
8. What other traits. skills or knowledge are important?
◊ Intelligence, salesmanship, being able to listen with insight, empathy, ability to be non-judgmental, passion for the law and the cause of your client, a nose for BS, integrity, a love of language, doggedness, a commitment to the community your serve and an ability to forgive your opponent are but a few.
9. A good ending question:
◊ Why haven’t I retired after almost 52 years of practicing law? It is a great marriage and I don’t want to leave it while I am still vertical.