Notes from practice · D.C. Superior Court
Amusing Trial Transcripts
Back when I was a public defender, my office mate used to come across me reading transcripts from court hearings I had done – from...
Brilliant Trial Lawyer or Simple Ass?
MR. KOEHLER: Objection. Relevance. THE COURT: Mr. Koehler, you can sit down. MR. KOEHLER: Your honor, this is absolutely ridiculous. MR. RIORDAN: No, it’s...
On Trial Tactics — Intentional and Otherwise
I am sitting in court waiting for trial to begin. The charge is assault on a police officer. I have just been given a...
Jack Lambert and My Investigator
Wayne, my investigator, thinks he is being subtle. He insists on escorting me out of a bad neighborhood whenever we finish a crime scene...
Explaining the Rakofsky Defamation Suit on an Application
Filling out an application can be a painful process for anyone who has ever been arrested or convicted of a crime. What specifically is being...
If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer, Just Pay the Fine
Defense strategy of pro se defendant this morning consisted mostly of making faces during the police officer’s testimony. Note to self: Not real effective. Surprisingly...
When Your Business Card Is More Memorable Than You Are
I am pretty good with faces and with names. I have always been impressed — almost flattered — by people who remembered my name after...
On the Concept of Estoppel
We are having trouble with the sliding door on our mini-van. I take it back to the Toyota dealership shop a couple of times...
Signs You Have Been Working Out Of Your Home Office For Too Long
Courtesy of the solo practitioners at the ABA listserv Solosez, here are the top 15 signs that you have been working out of your home...