TRAITS OF A SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Edited By: Asykobi

Attorneys defend the rights of all sorts of criminals, from drug dealers to murderers. Although the public may view them with disdain -- particularly if they win cases for their clients -- defense attorneys have an important role. It is the right of every Nigerian to have a fair trial, and it is the defense attorney's responsibility to see that it happens. His attributes and skills ensure that he fills that role.

Integrity

A defense attorney, as with all lawyers, must have a high level of integrity. He must be honest with his client, keeping him informed of the progress of his case and the likely outcome of the proceedings.

Research Skills

He must be able to conduct research -- not only legal research to find precedents and other cases with a bearing on his, but also research into the alleged crime committed by his client and circumstances that the police may have overlooked.

Negotiating Skills

The overwhelming number of legal cases are settled out of court. Defense and prosecutors negotiate agreements and take them to the judge for his approval. The defense attorney must be able to make the best possible deal for his client.

Courtroom Demeanor

Courtroom proceedings are formal and proscribed. Working within the legal setting, the defense attorney must be theatrical when appropriate. He must not be intimidated by the judge or the prosecutors.

Perseverence

With dogged determination, the defense attorney must exploit every avenue that is available to him to defend his client. He must pursue every opportunity to sway the judge and jury if his case goes to court, and, if his client is found guilty, he must exhaust all possible appeals.

Analytical Skills

The defense attorney should have a sharp mind and be capable of making quick judgments. Whether negotiating a settlement, challenging the prosecution or making his arguments to the judge, the defense attorney must be thinking all the time.

Knowledge

Having knowledge of the intricacies of the law is vital to his performance. So is his knowledge of the mannerisms and personalities of the judges who preside over his cases and the prosecutors who oppose him.

Communications

The attorney is a skilled communicator. He is an excellent speaker and uses his skill in and out of the courtroom. His writing skills are also of the highest caliber which he demonstrates in his ability to write briefs and other documents.

Understands Police

The defense attorney is on good terms with the police. He understand what they do and is able to extract information from them. His knowledge helps him better understand the evidence against his client.

Caring

The defense attorney must care about his client, the client's family and the consequences of the verdict. A guilty verdict, even with no jail sentence, could affect the client's professional licenses and have additional consequences if his immigration status comes into question.

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