Owning The Courtroom And The Competition
Does?being on an unfamiliar battlefield spell a weakened soldier? Does being fired on by the opposition mean being emasculated? No, at least not when the cause is a non-violent and noble one. My clients and witnesses need to know this, especially those who?feel like?fish out of?water in court. I must remind myself of this, for me to be as strong as possible for my clients in and out of court, and to inspire them to be fearless in court.
The sooner my clients and witnesses recognize that cross-examining prosecutors and judges are our teachers and not our enemies, the sooner that their very presence and words will improve to make their message more persuasive and powerful.
Not only do we have no enemies, but we also should see everywhere we go as a hospitable place, and not a land of culture shock, a land of home team advantage, nor a sea of landmines to negotiate for the first time.
When we realize that we are home and grounded wherever we go, and that we always have our human heart and spirit everywhere that we walk, we can feel more comfortable — and, therefore be more powerful — wherever we go. For some people, such symbols or approaches as silent chants, a meaningful photo in one’s wallet, or meditating in one’s car or other place nearby the courthouse helps achieve the powerfully grounded and persuasive feeling of being home. Whatever works.?