CDTA Tag

Trial Lawyers: Who Do They Represent?

trial lawyers

Fictional trial lawyers certainly get their time on the big and small screens—and the characters they play are often extremely inspiring. Of course, watching TV is a lot easier than scoring the grades to get into law school, passing the state bar, and then stepping out into a high-powered career. In the most basic of definitions, a trial lawyer is a licensed professional who is usually hired by clients to represent them in court, whether in civil or criminal cases. They must research the details of the case fully, and often there may be a jury present also. A trial attorney...

Continue reading

Outlining: Start Earlier Rather Than Later

While there are so many responsibilities in life most of us know we must tackle head on and we do so, out of basic obligation, there is just something about studying that brings out the procrastinator in everybody. Getting educated and learning about the inner workings of history and our world, getting to more about the type of law practice you seek, becoming adept at problem solving, preparing for major exams, and more, can all be extremely exciting, but there may be many a night when you would rather just get into your pajamas, watch TV, and sack out early....

Continue reading

Good Moral Character is One of the Greatest Traits an Attorney Can Possess

moral character

Do you remember when lawyer jokes were all the rage? For the most part, such verbal games paint legal professionals out to be greedy creatures hailing directly from Satan himself—and there are millions of riddles and quips out there. Whether you are in law school or already in practice, it is good to be able to poke fun at yourself, and certainly there are so many attorneys in the work force today that there are bound to be some with less-than-stellar moral character, not to mention poor track records. But in your exposure to other law students, professors, and attorneys...

Continue reading

Are You Ready for the Negotiation Table?

negotiation table

The first approach to the negotiation table is not one to be taken lightly. In most cases, if you are negotiating for a client, the outcome is extremely serious to them—and could perhaps impact their personal or business life substantially. As the negotiator, your reputation and credibility are on the line too, every time you enter into such a process; in fact, you may be negotiating with another party represented by another attorney that you will work opposite—or in some cases further down the road, even alongside—and hopefully, you will learn to work together well and even respect each other...

Continue reading

Five Skills Extraordinary Lawyers Possess

skills

As a law student at California Desert Trial Academy College of Law, when you take a break from classes and studying, you may often find yourself daydreaming about what it will be like to become an attorney. You imagine yourself in court, kicking the other side all over the room with your legal prowess and knowledge of the law, not to mention overall charisma and brilliance. And while these are of course all some of the qualities that make up an exceptional lawyer, the reality is that attorneys must possess a wide range of skills to please their clients and...

Continue reading

Negotiators: How to Handle Difficulties

negotiating

The world counts on attorneys to be negotiators—and when your clients needs you to negotiate and get them the best deal, the stress is on, often meaning there may be difficulties. There are many ways to prepare for such a process, but the first business in order is background, background, background! This starts with your own client. Do you fully understand how they ended up in a dispute requiring negotiation, and what was their motivation to begin with? When it comes to the bottom line, what will they agree to accept? Also, understand your client’s relationship with the other party,...

Continue reading

What Type of Law Practice Do You Envision?

practice

If you are thinking about enrolling at California Desert Trial Academy College of Law, or if you are already a law student there, being a trial lawyer is probably the law practice you envision. You aren’t alone, as many rising students envision a career presenting cases for trial in the courtroom. This means interviewing your client extensively so that you understand the case comprehensively and can launch a strong defense—speaking in public, thinking quickly in the heat of the moment, and addressing the jury. Being a trial lawyer means you have the chance to make an impact on society in...

Continue reading

Understanding Alternative Dispute Resolution in California

alternative dispute resolution

As a law student, you may be surprised to hear that it is possible for attorneys to spend significant amounts of time with their clients, involved in mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. This is often the case in divorce cases, but many times in business cases also. As a trial attorney you may hope to avoid processes like alternative dispute resolution and practice your skills in the courtroom, but it may be judge mandated. Mediation, for instance, may also be extremely popular with clients who want to avoid the stress of the courtroom. Litigation can, undoubtedly in some cases,...

Continue reading

Walking Away from Negotiating

Walk away from negotiating

Part of what makes bargaining so exciting is that it is such a multi-faceted process—and you can make so many different choices during the process--including walking away from negotiating. Once you have interviewed your client and know their motivation, perspective, and goals, it is time to research the other side comprehensively so you know as much as possible about what makes them tick and can plan your negotiating style accordingly. In most cases, it is best to throw out the first offer. Of course, it probably is not completely realistic, but you never know, aiming high, and putting forth an anchor...

Continue reading

Backing Up When You Have Crossed the Line in Negotiations

negotiations

As an attorney, it is critical to walk into negotiations with a firm but calm attitude—and above all, a positive one. If you are confident about your skills and the task at hand, half the battle is won already. You should be equipped with as much knowledge about the other side as possible, along with understanding a little bit about their perspective and why they are there to begin with. While you may be employing either an assertive or more cooperative persona during negotiations, having sympathy and empathy can help you greatly in working with others as you discuss an...

Continue reading
Font Resize