Judge McGahey on Dramatic Trial Lawyers

Judge Robert McGahey of Denver, Colorado, is a frequent guest blogger. He is also a NITA faculty member and an adjunct professor at Denver University's Sturm College of Law. Prior to ascending the bench, Judge McGahey was a trial lawyer. And as a movie buff with an encyclopedic knowledge of movies about the law, he knows a thing or two about drama.

Why are trial lawyers so dramatic?

• We’re all roosters; we think the sun comes up because we crow. If you look at what we do, it takes a fair amount of ego. Our job is to convince six or twelve people that we’re never going to see again that what we are telling them is the truth – and then getting them to act on that truth. That requires a substantial level of self-possession and self-confidence. The danger comes when we forget that this isn’t about us; it’s about our clients. Far too many of us lose sight of that. When we do, we lose that “genuineness” or “authenticity” that others have remarked on. 

Why Are Lawyers So Dramatic: The Sequel

Since posting about dramatic lawyers yesterday, I've received some thought-provoking emails from friends. I thought I'd follow up on the post with some additional thoughts.

First, to those of you who commented favorably on my new status as a centerfold, especially given my age, girth, and so forth: Thank you. It is heartening to know that we centerfolds have supportive networks of friends and family who will be with us throughout the process.

Second, on the subject of drama, my friend and colleague Tom Leggans provided some great insight. Tom is an Assistant United States Attorney and a member of our trial advocacy faculty at SIU School of Law. He is a phenomenal trial lawyer and teacher. Here are Tom's thoughts: