The almost tantrum: a tale of typical trial lawyer self control

It's a drizzly Sunday.  Have popped into the office to work on a settlement letter.  Nala is chewing on her antler.  Am eating my favorite pastry from Macrina bakery - the orange pinwheel.  Superb as usual.

Am working on the letter.  But also engaging in typical bounce around behavior.  Read incoming email from co-counsel on a different case. Defense attorney wants a continuance on a summary judgment motion.  This is the fifth motion in a string of motions.  Maybe it's the fourth.  Or the sixth.  Have lost count.

E:     I assume everyone will agree to the continuance based on his past courtesies.  Anyone disagree?

K3:  Screw him regarding all of these MSJs.  No.

K3:  And if you want me to tell him so I’m happy to be the bad guy and tell him tomorrow.

E:    I have no problem if that's our stance.  But why risk our relationship.  And he'll just run to court and get the continuance.

K3:   I would like to risk my relationship with him and spare yours.  I’ve never had a case where they have filed this many piecemeal MSJs all in a row like this.  Screw them.

E:    We have been late on some deadlines as well.  I really don't think we should do this.

K3:  (fingers in ears).

E:    Okay, I told him.  He's not happy with us and is pointing out our own deficiencies.  Please let me know if you will reconsider.

K3:  Okay.  But when you tell him yes make sure he knows I'd like to scratch his eyes out.

... the next day

E:   What was all that about.

K3:  I was tired of being nice.   I felt much better afterwards.

E:   Well I told him we agreed to the continuance but also that you wanted to scratch his eyes out.

K3:  Really.

E:   No.

Photo:  Selfie with straight hair  courtesy of Joy from Gary Manuel.  It lasted for a day before reverting back to curly madness.