3 answers
Aniyah
Student
Callicoon, New York
2
Questions
Asked
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How do you stay calm while dealing with a heated case?
I am interested in becoming a criminal justice lawyer.
3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1662
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Are you talking about at trial? Something like 95 % of all cases never go to trial. Much of your work will be in negotiating the best possible plea deal for your client.
As to staying calm, try taking an acting class. Much of trial is theatrics. There should be few surprises by then. You don't always want to stay calm! Sometimes you want to be outraged or disgusted, but, just for a moment. You must be in total control of your emotions at all times!
As to staying calm, try taking an acting class. Much of trial is theatrics. There should be few surprises by then. You don't always want to stay calm! Sometimes you want to be outraged or disgusted, but, just for a moment. You must be in total control of your emotions at all times!
Baljit Gill
Lawyer paralegal
127
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Aniyah,
As we all know is to take time for deep breaths and remove yourself from any discomfort. There are loads of egos flyings around during the process of a case, such as upper management and opposing counsel. Take the words that they say as gospel and work with it and that should diffuse the situations that may lead to heated arguments. Appreciation of their viewpoint is also something you can consider. Also do your research first hand to avoid any complications with the case, which I am sure there will be in the more complex cases.
As we all know is to take time for deep breaths and remove yourself from any discomfort. There are loads of egos flyings around during the process of a case, such as upper management and opposing counsel. Take the words that they say as gospel and work with it and that should diffuse the situations that may lead to heated arguments. Appreciation of their viewpoint is also something you can consider. Also do your research first hand to avoid any complications with the case, which I am sure there will be in the more complex cases.
West Imboden
Litigation Attorney
12
Answers
Georgetown, Kentucky
Updated
West’s Answer
Cases can get heated at many points throughout their lifecycle. Preliminary talks, threats of suit, pre-trial conferences, settlement discussions, depositions, trial, etc.
I make a point of removing myself from the situation if given the opportunity. Taking some time to process can help to cool things down.
I also find it helps to phrase everything more passively. I don't tend to say "you did this and that wrong," but instead say things like "unfortunately, mistakes happen, and that seems to be the case here," or something along those lines. Not a great example, but you'll find that careful phrasing can often help to avoid or minimize heated discussions.
Trial practice is confrontational by its very nature. But you pick up skills.
I'd recommend taking negotiations classes and getting on the moot/mock trial team if and when you get to law school. You'd certainly pick up tons of useful skills in there.
I make a point of removing myself from the situation if given the opportunity. Taking some time to process can help to cool things down.
I also find it helps to phrase everything more passively. I don't tend to say "you did this and that wrong," but instead say things like "unfortunately, mistakes happen, and that seems to be the case here," or something along those lines. Not a great example, but you'll find that careful phrasing can often help to avoid or minimize heated discussions.
Trial practice is confrontational by its very nature. But you pick up skills.
I'd recommend taking negotiations classes and getting on the moot/mock trial team if and when you get to law school. You'd certainly pick up tons of useful skills in there.
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