Last week members of the legal community gathered together to learn how they can improve the quality of their representation.
Guam – It may sound strange but Trial lawyers are like artists. In the sense that they are painting a picture through the use of evidence and witness testimony, which is ultimately put on display to be weighed by a judge or jury.
Conducting a trial is a very challenging experience not only as a lawyer but also from the stand point of the judge. But with the help of the Pacific Judicial Council and the American College of Trial Lawyers over 100 members of the legal community were able to come together to expand their knowledge of trial practice last week.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Philip Carbillido said, “the first two days we focused on our judicial officers because that’s our organization. The third day was a plenary session with the lawyers. Experienced lawyers from across the United States and Judges have come out here to share their experiences to try and improve the quality of the representation.”
Further sharing that the community benefits from these best practices workshops and that the value is ultimately the fairness of the proceeding when skillful lawyers and judges maintain the integrity of the legal process.
“The purpose of a trial is not to show your superior knowledge, its communication. The decision maker whether it be the judge or the jury ultimately how he or she sees the evidence presented is going to determine the outcome. I think the bottom line there is creativity enhances someone’s interest and identification of the issues the problems and hopefully the resolution of the case,” explained the Chief Justice.
Chief Justice Carbillido shares that there is more to being a lawyer than just going through the motions. A lawyer must show interest in the case and zealously advocate for their client by communicating to the ultimate decision makers.