The nicest thing an opponent has ever said to me
Photo: Taken during cross exam by a court observer. I am on the floor demonstrating how hard it is to put on and walk in a rigid leg brace. Notice how happy and engaged the jurors are. An unamused Nick is on the far left.
We have been in trial for a month. Many times he's told me to back off. We have been Going. At. It.
He is one of the best defense lawyers I've tried a case against. Nick started as an associate with his law firm when I was in the 8th grade. But he's not old fashioned. He used powerpoint in opening and closing. All of his trial exhibits were projected just like ours - electronically via a 70" LCD screen.
Through the extensive pretrial process, I described him as that character from Terminator. You know, the bad cop. No matter how many times you blew holes into him, he kept reconstituting himself. Relentlessly coming at you.
Anyway, this is what he writes:
Karen, if you recall, right after your closing argument, I said, “Well done, Karen.” But “well done” does not do your final argument justice. Indeed, you gave one of the best closing arguments and rebuttals I have ever heard. And from talking to others who watched you that day, I know I am not alone in my assessment. It was truly inspired, and delivered in a measured, deliberate pace which added even more to the drama. I’m sure you noticed the jurors were visibly moved by your words and simple expressions of compassion for your client, and respect for the process. You made all of us in the courtroom – judge, jury and counsel proud to be a part of the system. You are a zealous and inspired advocate, and I admire you for that.
Nick
Later I showed this to Rick Friedman. We discussed the sometimes inverse relationship between doing a fantastic job in closing and the jury verdict result. As much as I appreciate Nick's kind words, I would rather have fumbled and bumbled if it would have meant a better result for my client.