Being a trial lawyer nowadays is tough work. The law is a conflict-ridden profession. We are constantly fighting with each other and trying to outdo each other.
So how do I deal with this situation in the courtroom? I have to remember that I am not in control, to stay centered, and to not let distractions keep us from our goal.
9 Ideas That Help Me In The Courtroom
- Breathing: breathe from your belly to stay relaxed. Take a few deep breathes before you enter the courtroom
- Remain Relaxed: be aware of the tension that fills a courtroom. Staying loose will help your muscles stay relaxed which is so important in dealing with stress filled situations
- Stay Centered: we need to think of the trunk of our body as it’s center. Breathing helps us stay centered. We need to stay aware of our center. This is similar to what is taught in the martial arts. Be aware of your body posture so as not to be knocked off balance metaphorically
- Let Go of Fear: we need to stay in touch with whatever spiritual contact we have- meditation, prayer, or other forms of belief. By putting ourselves into this frame of mind before we get into a trial “battle”, we will perform better. Let go of the fear of losing
- Do Not React: it is so easy to turn on the defense attorney and argue after he or she makes an objection- especially if things get personal. But by staying focused on what we are looking to accomplish, we can not be thrown off track by our adversary
- Maintain Concentration: this is similar to focus but you have to keep your mind directly on what you are doing. You can’t let your mind wander. Do not think of what is going on at the office, what is happening in your personal life. Concentrate on what you are doing
- Stay In The Moment: this is similar to maintaining concentration but with a slight difference. Lawyers often get ahead of themselves and want to start asking questions anticipating what is going to happen in the next few minutes. This is not good. Stay in the present; this will increase your concentration and listening skills which will make you a better advocate
- Listen Carefully: if you get wrapped up in your own thoughts you could miss what the witness or the judge is saying. Listen carefully so that you can follow the meaning of the words. You cannot focus on two things at once, although we often times try to do it by bouncing rapidly from one subject to another. This gets us in trouble.
- All Things Happen For a Reason: this is the guiding principle of my life. Once I recognize I am not in control, I can roll with the punches and go with the flow. Stay in touch with the principle that things are happening for a reason. This keeps us centered in the present moment, so we are relaxed and unafraid
