Notes from practice · D.C. Superior Court
Why settle a civil protection or anti-stalking order case in D.C.?
The petition for a civil protection order (CPO) against a Koehler Law client was dismissed recently after the parties reached an out-of-court settlement. Our client no longer...
On interacting with the jury after trial
Trying to read the jury can be a humbling experience. Many years ago, during a DUI trial in D.C., I was encouraged by a young...
Ode to a legal career
When I say how good Emma would be at the practice of law, her mother — my little sister — points out that Emma is...
On a client’s changing expectations
Client expectations can fluctuate wildly, even within a given case. A big part of our job is to make sure these expectations are both informed...
On working with indigent criminal defendants
Five tips for representing indigent criminal defendants: (1) never push a plea, (2) don’t defend the system, (3) never contradict your client, (4) a light...
On the importance of being heard
The Zulu greeting “Sawubona” translated literally means “I see you.” Because it is important to be seen....
Overwhelming clients with communication
Although we may take the most pride in our skills in the courtroom, clients tend to care far more about how well we communicate with...
Fielding general questions on D.C. criminal defense
I do not charge for free consultations. Nor, as a matter of practice, will I take over representation from another lawyer....
On choosing a house. Or a lawyer.
Some clients will hire the first lawyer they reach by phone. Others will take more time. They interview multiple lawyers in person. They ask questions....
Starting a criminal defense practice after Covid
The changes now being effected in response to the pandemic — specifically the trend toward on-line hearings — could pose challenges for new lawyers seeking...
Criminal defense in the Covid era
We will learn. We will adapt. But as with so many other things in our lives, there will be the pre- and the post-Covid eras....
I try cases
I have taken 63 cases to trial since 2015. I have secured outright acquittals in 23 of these cases – roughly 37 % – and...
Dealing with Stuart Schuman of the Defender Association
Different people require different motivations. Schuman’s approach may have worked with some people. But it didn’t work with me: I was already trying as hard as I could. I...
Handling a U.S. Citation Case in D.C. Superior Court
Here is what every lawyer appearing in D.C. Superior Court should know about handling an arraignment for a U.S. citation....
Lists
I sit across from a colleague in her office at the Public Defender Service in D.C. A list of names from the jail is on...