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Today in less than an hour I'm arguing my first appeal before the California court of appeals. Three judges, as opposed to the normal one judge. I have small speech prepared. No attorneys to back me up. It's a big task for a fourth year attorney. Outside of getting some help for the reply brief writing, this case has been basically a solo effort. I do not know what the other side is going to say, if anything.
Because of nerves, my hands have been freezing all morning and my head has been warm. Ugh... Where's the emoticon for throwing up. They don't tell you in law school the kinds of feelings you go through before your first hearing, your first trial, and then your first appeal, but I guess the bar exam is a good primer. Anyway, there I go
Best of luck to you Lisboa. Just remember that it is your position that is on trial, not your personality. State your case succintly, and you've done all you can do. "They will come back, come back again, as long as the Red Earth rolls. He never wasted a tree or a leaf, why should he squander souls?"
"You're a big one....a tall drink of water, but I got to tell you, you don't look too bright. I got a son, stupid as a man who bought his stupid at a 2-for-1 sale, and you remind me of him." -Mr. Nancy
freonsmurf
10-10-03, 01:25 PM
My Mom is a defense lawyer, she would wish you the best!
It's only wrong if you get caught.If consequences dictate my course of action I should play GOD
blog html
Hell
EZ_Zulian
10-10-03, 02:39 PM
Wow, when I saw Wix posted, I was fully expecting to see the puking smiley mentioned by Lisboa! :P
Anyways, Goodluck. "Age and wisdom don't always go together, I've found. ... Some people just become stupid with more authority." -- Terry Pratchett
EZ_Nyssa Rainwhisper
10-10-03, 03:03 PM
Just think of getting laid by the gf with the SUV.
Good luck and knock 'em dead!
EZ_Ten Evenings
10-10-03, 03:15 PM
Good luck, Im sure the first time is the hardest.
Think of it this way - If you can handle the resident safehouse regulars who post every day, the caleeforneeia court of appeals will be a piece of cake ...or, best of luck all the same, heh.
The result wasn't bad, though I don't think I did my best work. I had to wait two hours with other people giving arguments before we argued. I was calm at the bench but nervous speaking. They didn't say anything unexpected, and I forgot one of my points, but I still think we should win. I have a huge stomach ache now.
The thing with litigation is the pressure is not the fear of public speaking, but the pressure not to let down your client who relies on you as their advocate. In the court of appeals level it's worse because you know that the decision may affect not only your client but others in their position in the future.
EZ_Gyorg
10-10-03, 09:02 PM
Relax and have a beer. This is like a college exam, there's nothing you can do now so no reason worrying about it. Think about this, assuming you were honest, your client knows your abilities. If they trust you, then they think you are qualified. If they are willing to let you do the work, and you do your best, you are living up to your client. Anyway, I GL on winning. I know the stress. --------------------------
Gyorg Lavode, The original Phin-o-matic Safehouse Moderator
Unguilded Assassin Badass
of the 65th Moon over Xegony
EZ_Prenn
10-10-03, 09:54 PM
You're a lawyer? Christ, that explains things.
I can only imagine how terrifying it must be. All good people scrutenize themselves harshly when others' lives are directly dependant upon their actions. Especially when working in unknown territory.
Good luck Sensei Pren{Dragon Army}[Tribunal Server]
So I take shelter in tomorrow
Tomorrow will bring a brand new day
Think I can make it right tomorrow,
Think I need more sleep today...
EZ_joekreeper1
10-11-03, 12:46 AM
fail you're way to the top "Classes are not that out of balance --AbsorEQ"
"I'm going to torment you until you're translucent!!!"
EZ_Northerner
10-11-03, 02:39 AM
I've done a ton of presentations, oral technical defenses and similar public speaking. No, it isn't speaking in front of Judges but peer reveiws and presenting technical stuff to either tech or non-tech people is still stressful at times.
To be quite honest, I still get butterflies. Just keep in mind, no one I have presented for seems to notice. *You* may feel nervous but that doesn't necessarily translate into your delivery. That and normally I feel just fine about two minutes into the thing.
Just make sure you are prepared and psych yourself up a bit. There is no magic trick to public speaking and many of the best speakers ever all said they were nervous as hell before even a simple engagement. Celeris Tujimson
Maurading Deceiver of The Nameless
It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.
- Stuart's Law of Retroaction
So I got the decision today, order affirmed by all three judges. I won my first court of appeals case.
The honey mead is on me tonight!
See all you needed was random person to say, "You can do eeet!" to succeed in whatever you're doing. It worked in the movies, it can work for you too!
Anyway congradulations now go win a few more!
EZ_Loxmyf
10-15-03, 07:07 PM
Congratulations!
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