I'm sure no one particularly cares, but I just wanted to share this great day with my favorite online community.

Finished my first trial today. First time doing an opening. First time doing a direct. First time doing a cross. First time objecting.

Worked this case so hard. The client is a fantastic individual and a genuinely good guy, which made it all the more meaningful to represent him.

It was a felony charge, so it was a pretty serious matter. It had been going on for over a year for him. We took over the case in October from his previous attorneys in October.

Trial lasted three days. Jury returned a not guilty verdict in 20 minutes.

I can't even imagine how it must have been for the client. I was barely able to stop myself from shaking while waiting for the verdict to be read, and this guy had his life on the line. To hear the words not guilty and for my client to be able to walk out of the courtroom and go about his life was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. It was also extraordinarily humbling.

There's no real point to this story. I'm just ecstatic right now and wanted to share it with everyone.

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congrats

when you become partner, you can credit your debate skills as coming from here

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Colbert on the #Steelers RB situation: "Where we were in running game last year was indicative in the talent at the position.''

neat.

Christ, you are probably right. I've been on stillers then sf once it split for how long now? Gotta be 5+ years.

Unfortunately, it's tough in court to borrow KC's liberal use of calling things an abortion.

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Congrats, knife.

How are your fees?

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"Noll's coaching resume shits all over Harbaugh's life resume" - FortyThree

I'm in my last semester of law school, so everything I do is pro bono for now. My client couldn't afford an attorney so I was appointed through a clinic.

So, if youre going to commit a crime in Massachusetts and can't afford an attorney, do it within the next 4 months.

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Is this the guy that IC told me he saw kill someone?

Shit, I knew that tip was no good!

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r n

Great stuff, Knife. Have you thought about pursuing a career as a PD?

I have. I don't think I can live in the moral gray area. I can't separate what I, as a person, view as right and wrong, vs what I, as a lawyer, should view as right and wrong. This case was easy to deal with because the client was likable and convincing, and the charge was not that heinous (AB with a deadly weapon, but the complainant had no injuries), but I don't think I could defend an accused rapist, pedophile, murderer, etc and still sleep peacefully at night. Nothing against those who do it for a living -- those individuals they defend need and are entitled to a vigorous defense. I'm just not sure I'm the one to do it.

I plan to ply my trade more on the civil side of things. Ultimate goal is to either open up a plaintiffs side PI/Mass Tort/Class Action boutique firm or lateral into one as a partner. I may go PD or AUSA in a few years to gain trial skills before doing so.

I have less personal qualms, even at the extreme, about trying to hit corporations in their wallet -- even if at times that leads to some morally gray claims and behaviors -- than I do about what I'd have to do regularly on the criminal side of the docket.

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Good man. Congrats on the victory.