Recently I was asked, what is the single most important trait for a trial lawyer. My answer was “integrity”.
Certainly, there are mercenaries in courtrooms, but they are nothing more than paid persuaders. They see trials as a game to be won at all costs, including cheating and misleading. They take short cuts. They tarnish the profession. They quickly see their reputations ruined and the opportunity for fulfillment lost.
For real trial lawyers it is a calling. When it is a calling, we honor the profession by shooting straight, not just with clients, but with jurors, judges, and the other side. It is not a game it is the pursuit of justice. We fight with all our might, but we fight right, without sacrificing our integrity. The likelihood of success is greater. The end-result is assured, respect.