From the category archives:

Law Practice

Solo Criminal Law Practice: The Downside

March 3, 2010 Law Marketing/Networking

A couple of days ago, I crowed about the advantages of being a privately retained lawyer, as opposed to public defender. In fairness, I should note that private practice as a solo practitioner also has its downsides.
Yes, there is also a lot of paperwork as a public defender.  And yes, there may be some bureaucracy. [...]

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Five Advantages To Being A Paid Lawyer

February 27, 2010 Law Marketing/Networking

Now that I have moved back to D.C. and opened my own criminal defense law firm, former colleagues at the Defender Association of Philadelphia have asked me how I enjoy private practice.  For them and for other public defenders who might be thinking about making the transition, I offer the following five advantages to being [...]

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The Virginia Bar Exam: How Much Studying Is Enough?

February 25, 2010 Law Practice

One of my favorite episodes from the old T.V. show Taxi included the scene in which the Reverend Jim Ignatowski, the character played by Christopher Lloyd, accidentally burns down the apartment of Louie DePalma, the character played by Danny DeVito.  The Reverend’s father is a millionaire.  When the father finds out that his son has [...]

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Surviving the Virginia Bar Exam: Reflections on Day One

February 24, 2010 Law Practice

Norfolk, Va. — Before starting law school, I read a number of books on how to survive your first year.  One book dealt with law school etiquette.  Top among its rules was not to discuss an examination with friends afterwards.  There is no point to doing this, the book said.  Both sides – the side [...]

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On Rushed and Ill-Considered Guilty Pleas

February 12, 2010 Law Practice

Last summer, my 19-year-old daughter decided that she wanted to come see me in court.  I had just given notice of my intention to resign from the Defender Association of Philadelphia effective at the end of the month, and she thought this might be the last opportunity to see me working as a public defender.
I [...]

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A Public Defender with a Sense of Humor

February 10, 2010 Law Practice

A couple of weeks ago, I complained about the lack of criminal law blogs done by women.  I also bemoaned the fact that, with a few exceptions, there do not seem to be many public defender blogs that don’t sound preachy, sanctimonious, and put-upon.   Yes, you’re a public defender.  Yes, the caseload is overwhelming.  Yes, [...]

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On Legal Marketing and Blogging: A Newbie Offers His Perspective

February 5, 2010 Law Marketing/Networking

When I moved down from Philadephia to D.C. and opened my own criminal defense law practice, I decided to find out what some of the criminal defense lawyers I respected in Philadelphia did with respect to marketing.  So I went on-line to check out the websites of such Philadelphia lawyers as Brian McMonagle, Daniel Paul [...]

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Hamilton Burger on the “Jury Trial Tax”

February 2, 2010 Law Practice

A good friend of mine, a former prosecutor in Massachusetts and Virginia, has criticized my blog for its defense-centric viewpoint.   The actual words he used, if I recall correctly, were “criminal apologisms.”

Since I will be need to take some time off over the next couple of weeks to prepare for the Virginia Bar Examination, I [...]

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Effective Assistance of Counsel and David Feige

February 2, 2010 Law Practice

Lawyers are trained to watch the judge for cues during trial.  There are subtle cues.  And then there are the not-so-subtle cues.
There was a preliminary hearing judge in Philadelphia who was famous for playing golf every day at 1:00 pm.  This meant that he had to keep the court docket moving at a quick pace.  [...]

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Philadelphia: Where the One-Eyed Man is King

January 30, 2010 Law Practice

My wife does not read this blog.  I understand.  She’s busy.  Friends or family will tell her they enjoyed something they read on the blog and she will smile and thank them, but she really has no clue what they are talking about.

I showed her my website when it first went up last fall.  Yes, [...]

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