If you are in court on the witness stand and opposing counsel is asking you the same question over and over again, and your lawyer is just sitting there, saying nothing, Griesing recommends that you say, “Excuse me, Your Honor, I have answered that question three times and am feeling harassed.”
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Sep 20, 2019 · What Can You Do? If you are in court on the witness stand and opposing counsel is asking you the same question over and over again, and your lawyer is just sitting there, saying nothing, Griesing...
Feb 23, 2012 · Another friend says that EVERY time the bully violates on of the rules (verbal put-downs, dissing you in front of your client, late service of papers, refusing to answer phone calls, etc.) write him a letter documenting the bad behavior. Then, as needed, you bring one or more motions for sanctions.
How to Prepare for the Inevitable Bully Encounter. If you are a junior lawyer, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your first encounter with a bully. Accept that it will happen — it’s inevitable. This will at least allow you to be prepared. When you deal with a bully, maintain your composure and professionalism, and don’t take the bait.
Assume every word you speak or write will find its way into the court record. Protect your client, and yourself, at all times. Again, be courteous, but leave it up to your adversary to figure out the manner in which he or she should proceed. It’s no fun to see your name in a pleading filed by an adverse party.
“Especially lawyers, who can be very good at being very bad,” according to the nation’s leading expert on bullying in the legal profession, Philadelphia attorney Fran Griesing.
After attending Loyola University School of Law, H. Dennis Beaver joined California's Kern County District Attorney's Office, where he established a Consumer Fraud section. He is in the general practice of law and writes a syndicated newspaper column, " You and the Law ." Through his column he offers readers in need of down-to-earth advice his help free of charge. "I know it sounds corny, but I just love to be able to use my education and experience to help, simply to help. When a reader contacts me, it is a gift."
When it comes to reducing the chances of bumping heads with a bully lawyer — especially a bully employer for your first job as an attorney — the internet is your best friend.