The Washington herald., 1912-03-03

behind closed coors. When he enters
courtroom Il is with the confident air OF on.
who says, " Gentlemen. We are going TO win
because we have right on our side"
q q
Illustration of Confidence.
The following case well Illustrates this
point. A very young man was trying cass
AGAINST another lawyer who was old enough
to be his father. When the case was called
some Of the people present noticed the elder
ly gentleman ana asked. Where is the law
yer for the other side?" Here he u, the
very young man answered. and his remark
was met with quiet laughter. He smiled as
he said: Don't you think the Laughter
would be In better taste when the case is
finIshedY- There were congratulations al
the end of the trial instead OF derision' ior
the young man had won his case.
A lawyer must be a fighter and cour-
ageous fighter. but he must respect the opin-
ions Of the Judge and the law. He keeps MS
temper under the most unnerving conditions.
II he lacks decorum and good breeding the
court soon shows him that he must change
his tactics or his profession
Like a physician. he must know when to
talk and when to remain quiet. He guards
all secrets jealously, even from his friends
and family. He knows that he viii do his
client infinite harm by disclosing condolences.
= &
Personality Big Factor.
II a man lacks personality he had better
take up any kind Of work rather than the
practice OF the law. without this quality
he will find It dificult to inspire confidence
In his client, In the jury. or the Judge. II q
man has this personality he shows It In his
poise, his walk. and his manner OF address
ing jury. He Is there not to bribe them,
nor to work on their sympathy, but TO show
them facts, and let them know that he de-
pends on their good Judgment and honesty
for a fair decision. This desire 10 be fair
with q Jury and appeal 10 their honesty and
good Judgment has more weight than an
the brow beating and bulldozing that can pos
sibly be hurled.
The young lawyer should have a clear, in
cisive mind. and be able TO express nIs
thoughts in cogent. convincing language.
Furthermore, he must know men. be a good
Judge OF men, and be quick TO grasp situa-
tions. Like a duelist, he must meet blow
with blow. He must make every stroke
count. and must act quickly and with de-
cision.
successful lawyer must be an indefati-
gable worker. As a rule. lawyers are given
the shortest time in which to prepare their
most dificult cases Sometimes they are
able to have a case deferred. and again they
cannot A short time IN which to prepare
a case Is no excuse for its poor preparation.
II the case Is long and difficult and the time
Is short, the hours for work must be pro-
longed far into the night. His clients in
terests outweigh his desire for rest and
recreation. He Will take time to think Of
vacation and rest only after the courts are
closed.
To lawyer who desires to achieve none
tary success the most important quality OF
all is the ability to get business. This Is.
after all, a question OF personality.
II were asked to give six qualities that
I thought would insure success in the law
/ would give the following: Courage, per-
sistence. energy, skill. personality. and con-
science.