Notes from practice · D.C. Superior Court
On Firing A Client
There is always a lot of discussion over at the ABA listserv Solosez about client relations. People talk about the need to sometimes fire a...
The Voice of a Law Office
A couple of weeks ago, I changed the message on my office voice mail. My 19-year-old daughter had done the original recording, but, after listening...
On Meeting Mark Bennett of Defending People
In talking with another lawyer during my training in Houston, the other lawyer was surprised that I could know so much about the author of...
The Virginia Bar Exam: How Much Studying Is Enough?
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...
Surviving the Virginia Bar Exam: Reflections After Day One
Norfolk, Va. — Before starting law school, I read a number of books on how to survive your first year. One book dealt with law...
On Rushed and Ill-Considered Guilty Pleas
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...
A Public Defender with a Sense of Humor
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...
Hamilton Burger on the “Jury Trial Tax”
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,...
Philadelphia: Where the One-Eyed Man is King
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...
Preparing for the Virginia Bar Examination
In 24 days I will be sitting down to take another bar, this time in Virginia. The idea, which seemed like a pretty good idea...
The “Jury Trial Tax”: The Penalty for Insisting on a Jury Trial
It is a sad but well-known fact among criminal defense lawyers in many jurisdictions that if you insist on a jury trial and lose, you...
The Challenges Of Being A Solo Practitioner
I was sorry to learn this morning that one of my favorite legal bloggers – Michael McLees of Fast Texas Divorce – has decided to...
Listening to the Witness on Cross-Examination
This guy has his eye put out in an accident. He can’t afford a glass eye, so the eye doctor puts in a fake eye...
The Koehler Law Logo
There are many things you need to do when setting up your own law firm, from securing business licenses, malpractice insurance and bank accounts to...
My Personal Philosophy on Criminal Defense
On a Person Being Arrested Be polite, calm, and respectful. Do not say anything. If the officer asks you any questions, calmly reply that you...