A fortune cookie reminded me recently of a topic I have been wanting to cover in this column. It said: “You can’t expect to be a lucky dog if you’re always growling.”
Lawyers are in the business of complaining in some ways. We write, edit and file complaints in court, object during depositions, arguments and trials to questions posed, positions taken and portrayals of our clients and we file motions aimed at achieving relief by recounting the misdeeds of our opponents. These are necessary components of an adversarial system. A competent advocate must advance the client’s cause and point out any wrongs committed.
