I fight authority. Authority always wins.
I can’t believe it’s happening already. At 60-some felony cases I feel like I’m becoming the typical overworked, frazzled public defender. I’m a fireman, actually; I spend a day or two putting out one fire (preparing for a hearing or filing a motion or writing a brief that’s due today), only to get to work the next day to face another three fires I have to start hosing down. I never aspired to be a fireman. Never. Not even when I was six.
I’m thinking the best criminal defense attorney the typical client can have is:- Independently wealthy so getting paid is not an issue.
- A dedicated, passionate, true-believer fighter, for sure.
- In private practice so she can only take as many court-appointed cases (and she would do no other kind of cases, probablyÃ¢â‚¬â€ťmoney is no object, right?) as she can legitimately defend to the absolute limit.
- Experienced. She needs to have been through the wringer and know the local system inside and out or else she’ll have trouble going to the mattresses for every single client, which is the whole point.
I am not that person. I will never be. I’m just trying to keep my head above water and fighting like mad to make sure my clients don’t get screwed too badly in the process.
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February 6th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
What I think you’ve described is the ideal any-profession; not just a lawyer.
I, for one, love when I am overburdened and racing to put out several fires at once. Makes me feel proud of what I do. Hang in there! You’ll get used to it and you’ll realize that you can be a damn good attorney while at it.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
I’m not sure I love being overburdened like Gideon. But I do agree with the statement that you’ve described the ideal any-profession. You know, as an aspiring environmental lawyer, I’ve found that the most profound and interesting environmental advocates are generally tenured law professors who pick and choose their cases. Or they are extremely high up in private practice and only get the case as it arises on high to the Supreme Court. And they have a million helper monkeys working 80 hours a week to help it get there. Is that realistic? Well, it does exist. But I’m glad those aren’t the only people out there doing environmental law because there’s a lot out there that needs to get done. And the alternative is terrifying.
I am sorry you are acting as fire fighter. But I’m glad things aren’t burning to the ground. I’m more sorry that the system is structured in a way that makes you feel like you’re not being as effective as you’d like. Because I think most would be proud to have you represent them.
February 8th, 2007 at 9:31 am
This post is kind of frightening to someone like myself who has aspirations to be a PD, but I appreciate your candor.
February 12th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
As an aspiring PD and GW student I would love to follow your blog. Can you add an RSS feed? Thanks!
February 12th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Have you read Innocent Man?
February 12th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Nevermind, found the feed! At first it didn’t work, but I got it now. Thanks!
February 13th, 2007 at 7:19 am
Welcome, J. I’m glad you found the feed. By “Innocent Man” do you mean the John Grisham book? If so, no. Do you recommend it?
As for how discouraging it may be to be a firefighter, things have gotten a little better. I’m only just getting to the really fun stuff — hearings and trials — and the challenge of doing these things for real and for real stakes is very daunting. I think once I have a few more under my belt I’ll feel a bit more like Gideon — overburdened but glad to have the skill and know-how to be able to handle it. I’m looking forward to that.
To Will: Don’t be discouraged! If you’re considering being a PD you know it’s hard work. There are ups and downs, but it just may be the best work you will ever find, all things considered. Check out Injustice Anywhere for the flip-side — when this job is about as good as it gets.
February 17th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Maybe you’re a firefighter without the red hat - but really, who at 6yoa knew what they asprired to be at 30+yoa??? You’re doing exactly what you were meant to do - obviously- b/c you care. You are protecting the Constitution. That’s a huge job in this day! What you’re feeling about being overwhelmed is not unique to you — sorry to burst your bubble. However, now that you’ve recognized it, that feeling that you’re feeling might be called “compassion.” It’s not ego - it’s not selfish - and in fact it’s not the usual PD feeling - you’re actually worried about what happens to each and every person (stress the “person”) part of your job. You have the best job in the world - And unlike an actual firefighter, you don’t have to burst in to burning buildings to feel it! But, aside from the physical harm, you damn sure should be scared, b/c much like a firefighter is scared for everywhere there is smoke, there is sure to be fire in your job. And you damn well should be prepared, which from the sounds of it you are - you’re actually putting those out fires. Just remember - it is what it is
May 22nd, 2007 at 6:33 am
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