Most people see lawyers during polished moments: standing in court; delivering arguments; negotiating settlements; or appearing composed and confident in public. What they rarely see are the private moments that often define the profession. The empty…
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Law schools teach students how to analyze cases. They teach students how to interpret statutes, distinguish precedent, identify legal issues, and construct doctrinal arguments. Those skills matter enormously. But there is one skill that may matter ev…
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One of the hardest lessons lawyers—and people generally—ever learn is this: Being right is not enough. In courtrooms, universities, workplaces, negotiations, disciplinary proceedings, and everyday life, people often assume that truth alone guaran…
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When people think about great lawyers, they often picture someone delivering a powerful closing argument, dominating a courtroom cross-examination, or dismantling an opponent with brilliant legal analysis. But one of the most important skills excepti…
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Most people believe that legal problems are won or lost in court. Often, they are not. Many cases are substantially affected long before a hearing, deposition, trial, disciplinary proceeding, or appeal ever begins. In fact, one of the most damaging m…
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In many professions, people can succeed quietly. The legal profession is different. Lawyers operate in a world built heavily on trust, credibility, judgment, and reputation. Judges talk to one another. Clients share experiences. Opposing counsel reme…
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Most people believe that bad legal outcomes happen because someone acted dishonestly, recklessly, or irresponsibly. Sometimes that is true. But often, people make poor decisions for a far more understandable reason: pressure. Pressure changes the way…
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Hiring a lawyer can be one of the most important decisions a person ever makes. Whether facing litigation, professional discipline, academic misconduct allegations, business disputes, or a government investigation, clients are often navigating high-s…
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Many people assume that the most persuasive lawyers are the loudest lawyers, the most aggressive lawyers, or the lawyers who speak with the most confidence. That is wrong. The most persuasive lawyers are usually the ones who understand people. They u…
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Starting your legal career can be exciting, stressful, and uncertain. Law school teaches you how to think like a lawyer, but it often does not teach you how to succeed in the day-to-day practice of law. Becoming an excellent attorney requires far mor…
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