One of the situations for which a lawyer should be trained is the performance before a judge or magistrate during the legal process. What happens at that time is often crucial to the outcome of the case and speaks a lot about the preparation and experience gained by the legal professional.
For a seasoned lawyer, presenting arguments in court can be a routine practice. However, it is an art that requires specific skills to consider. The golden rule for all opportunities is to have investigated and to know in depth everything related to the case. When an attorney exposes the feasibility of a defense, he or she must know the full cause he or she represents, since his or her job is to convince the highest authority in the area about the veracity of the arguments.
Evidently, apart from evaluating all the edges of the case, the professional must be honest and upright in all his speech. A word that does not reflect the truth cannot be sustained in time and will overshadow the development of the case and even the trajectory of whoever represents it.
These are some considerations to take into account when it comes time to present arguments before a judge or maximum legal authority in the legal process:
- Arrive punctually at the hearing appointment.
- Maintain the official treatment and protocol character to the figure of the magistrate.
- To have a good presence and adequate clothing for the professional act. It’s important to feel comfortable in the space respecting the protocol of the legal practice, reason why an elegant and sober style is always a good option for these moments.
- To design the strategy of the speech to follow during the process. Even consider several lines of action, in case any should be abandoned.
- Communication must be clear, precise and complete. It is important that the magistrate understands exactly each and every word of the lawyer’s speech.
- Do not present arguments that will not support the initial thesis of your defense. Avoid contradictions and misunderstandings.
- Use a respectful and friendly tone with the judicial authority. Try as much as possible to make eye contact with the person who exercises this function during the presentation of the pleadings.
- Respond in a clear and precise way to the concerns coming from the magistrate.
- Make available to the judge all the pleadings, evidence and testimonies of the arguments presented to defend the case.
- Always remain calm, regardless of the path the case may take. It is important for your client and his personal trajectory to overcome any situation that affects the interests of the case as serenely as possible.
- If necessary, practice with your witnesses before appearing in court.
- Accurately advise the client in order to avoid errors in the presentation of the case and ensure legitimate defense.
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