what are good questions to ask a lawyer as a judge

by Giovanny O'Hara MD 10 min read

If you're interviewing with a judge who went from the District Court (or some other court) to the COA, you can ask whether he/she misses working on the former court. For recent appointees, "do you miss private practice/wherever they came from" is always a good question to ask. catinthewall Posts: 151 Joined: Tue Oct 05, 2010 1:50 pm

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What questions do judges ask in a courtroom?

Jul 25, 2017 · Ten Questions You Always Wanted to Ask a Judge. "As a young judge, I released a man from prison with a penalty fine—two weeks later he killed someone. I just sat in my judge's chambers and cried ...

What kind of questions do judges ask?

Jun 19, 2017 · 1. What qualifies you to be a judge beyond a law degree? Why should I vote for you? 2. Can you explain your judicial philosophy in plain English? 3. Do you consider yourself a politician? 4. How will you balance being an independent judge and an elected official? 5. How will you handle conflicts of interest on the bench? 6.

How to ask really good questions?

Posting as : an Attorney 3. You are currently posting as Attorney 3. Depends on the type of judge/court. As a law clerk, I think the smartest question applicants ask me is what our relationship is like with the judge... You can tell a lot about how they answer. Most important thing in the interview is to be friendly, calm, and excited about the opportunity.

How can I ask a good question?

Apr 09, 2015 · Ask follow-up questions, such as where and when any similar cases went to trial and their results, to ensure the attorney really knows the subject matter. Two: Do you practice in the courthouse where my case is (or will be)?

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What are good questions for a judge?

Good questions to ask the judge include the following:
  • “How do you like being a judge?”
  • “How did you decide to become a judge?”
  • “What was the most important thing that helped you become a judge?”
  • “What do you expect from your clerks?”
  • “What are you looking for in clerkship applicants?”
  • “What is your mentorship style?”

What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation
  • 1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?
  • 2) What would be your strategy for my case?
  • 3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?
  • 4) What are my possible outcomes?
  • 5) Who will actually handle my case?
  • 6) What is my role in my case?
Jan 29, 2017

How do you talk like a judge in court?

Use polite language, a calm tone and reserved body language.

Speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard, but don't shout. Don't wave your hands or otherwise make unnecessary gestures when you are speaking to the judge. Always speak politely and respectfully to the judge and all other court officials.

Why do judges ask questions?

The purpose of questioning by a judge should be to protect the record or direct the presentation of evidence and such questioning may not go further.Jul 7, 2020

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.
  • How long have you practiced law? ...
  • What type of cases do you generally handle? ...
  • Who is your typical client? ...
  • How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?
Apr 13, 2018

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.
  1. Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ...
  2. Be presentable and dress your best. ...
  3. Come prepared to ask questions. ...
  4. Be personable and show enthusiasm. ...
  5. Be genuine. ...
  6. Promptly send a thank-you note.
Oct 28, 2020

What should you not say to a judge?

8 Things You Should Never Say to a Judge While in Court
  • Anything that sounds memorized. Speak in your own words. ...
  • Anything angry. Keep your calm no matter what. ...
  • 'They didn't tell me … ' ...
  • Any expletives. ...
  • Any of these specific words. ...
  • Anything that's an exaggeration. ...
  • Anything you can't amend. ...
  • Any volunteered information.
Apr 15, 2018

How do you get a judge to rule in your favor?

How to Persuade a Judge
  1. Your arguments must make logical sense. ...
  2. Know your audience.
  3. Know your case.
  4. Know your adversary's case.
  5. Never overstate your case. ...
  6. If possible lead with the strongest argument.
  7. Select the most easily defensible position that favors your case.
  8. Don't' try to defend the indefensible.
Nov 1, 2008

How do you impress a judge in court?

Be clean.
  1. Be clean. It is important to wear neat and clean clothes when you are going to court. ...
  2. Stand when the judge enters the room. ...
  3. Address the judge as 'Your Honor. ...
  4. Be audible. ...
  5. Use proper language and speak in complete sentences. ...
  6. Prepare before every hearing. ...
  7. Be polite and respectful. ...
  8. Be punctual.

How do lawyers ask questions?

Part of a video titled How to ask questions like a lawyer - YouTube
0:16
5:25
The first secret is that what we're doing we're not really asking questions what we're doing isMoreThe first secret is that what we're doing we're not really asking questions what we're doing is making statements. That sound like questions and those are statements that the witness.

Can witnesses object to questions?

Testimonial evidence

You can object at any point while a witness is testifying. This can be during or after a question, while the witness answers the question, or immediately after the witness finishes answering but before the next question is asked.

Can a judge ask leading questions?

It is the duty of a judge to discover the truth and for that purpose, he may ask any question in any form at any time to the witness about any fact relevant or irrelevant related to the case but this he must do without trespassing the function of the counsel and without appearing to frighten the witness.Mar 13, 2020

What should a lawyer review with their clients before trial?

Every lawyer should review with their clients the possibility of a negotiated resolution prior to trial. In criminal matters, for example, you may be able to get a good plea bargain. In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation, a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party.

What should a lawyer outline?

Lawyers should outline the possible ways to handle a case and then explain why they have chosen a particular strategy, including the pros and cons.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

How to discuss case strategy?

In discussing case strategy, your lawyer should give you an estimate of how much time it will take to get to a resolution. Keep in mind that your lawyer does not control the pace of the process and cannot make any promises about when it will be over.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

What is an attorney who can answer this question well?

An attorney who can answer this question well is an attorney who is attuned not only to the legal challenges at hand, but also to the way clients think about them. They’ve also likely worked with clients like you. They’ll be able to provide context upfront that answers your questions before you find yourself confused by a complex legal issue or legal language.

Why is it important to ask questions about challenges and conflict resolution?

Questions about challenges and conflict resolution are a favorite among interviewers, no matter the position or industry, and with good reason. The manner in which people approach conflict reveals a lot about how creative and solution-focused they are, which is an important thing to know about any attorney who you’ re considering hiring.

Do attorneys have conflicts of interest?

Attorneys are responsible for divulging any potential conflicts of interest, even if they are never directly asked a question about them. However, it’s usually not a bad idea to inquire about them yourself.

Can you talk to an attorney over the phone?

For example, if you prefer to discuss business matters over the phone during your commute but your attorney relies almost entirely on email and rarely picks up the phone, you might not be able to talk to your attorney as often or as freely as you’d like. This impaired communication can have real consequences if an important detail slips through the cracks, so make sure that you and the attorney agree on how best to communicate.

Can an attorney give a well developed answer to a question?

Any attorney who has put time and energy into considering your project should be able to give a well-developed answer to this question. If you encounter an attorney who can’t, move on.

Do businesspeople have to resign themselves to pick the first attorney on their resume?

The good news is that businesspeople definitely don’t have to resign themselves to picking the first attorney whose resume crosses their desk.

Can an attorney give an estimate of how long each phase of a project will take?

Although unexpected challenges sometimes arise and cause deadlines to be pushed back, attorneys should be able to give an estimate of how long each phase of the project will take. Make sure that these estimates seem reasonable and fit with the timeline that you have in mind.

What is it called when your lawyer questions you?

When your own lawyer questions you, it's called direct examination. If you're representing yourself (that is, if you don't have a lawyer), you can: testify (speak) on your own behalf, or. ask if you can give your evidence in an affidavit.

How to ask a narrative question?

Don't ask a lot of narrative questions. In narrative questions, you're asking a vague question that doesn't have a single answer. Instead, be precise (for example, don't ask things like "Could you tell us everything you did that day?"; ask "Did you pick the children up from after-school care that day?").

What is a leading question?

Don’t ask leading questions. In leading questions, you give the witness the answer you're looking for in your question (for example, don't ask things like "You forgot to pick up the children from after-school care on April 25, didn't you?"; ask "Did you pick the children up from after-school care that day?").

Who can cross-examine you?

After you testify, the other person in your case (the law calls them the other party) or their lawyer can cross-examine you (ask you their own questions). They'll ask you questions that they think will get you to say something that helps their case more than it helps yours. See Sample questions to ask when cross-examining witnesses ...

When can you use documents as evidence?

You can also use documents as evidence when you're examining a witness.

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