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How to present yourself professionally in front of a judge or magistrate

One of the situations for which you should training a lawyer is the performance before a judge or magistrate during the legal process. What happens at that moment is often crucial to the outcome of the case and speaks volumes about the preparation and experience acquired by the legal professional. 

For an experienced lawyer, the time to present the arguments in court can be a routine practice. However, it is an art that requires specific skills to be considered. The golden rule for all opportunities is to have researched and know in depth everything related to the case. When a lawyer presents the feasibility of a defense, he or she must know the entire case he or she represents, since his or her job is to convince the highest authority in the area of the veracity of the arguments.

Evidently, apart from evaluating all aspects of the caseThe professional must be honest and honest in all his speech. A word that does not reflect the truth cannot be sustained over time and will overshadow the development of the case and even the trajectory of the person representing it.

These are some considerations to take into account when the time comes to present arguments before a judge or the highest legal authority in the legal process:

  • Arrive on time for the hearing.
  • Maintain the official and protocol treatment of the magistrate.
  • Have a good presence and an appropriate attire for the professional act. It is important to feel comfortable in the space respecting the protocol of the legal practice, so an elegant and sober style is always a good option for these moments. 
  • Design the discourse strategy to be followed during the process. Even consider several courses of action, in case any of them should be abandoned.
  • The communication must be clear, precise and complete. It is important that the magistrate accurately understands every word of the lawyer's speech.
  • Do not present arguments that will not support the initial thesis of your defense. Avoid contradictions and misunderstandings.
  • Use a respectful and friendly tone with the judicial authority. Try as much as possible to make eye contact with the person exercising this function during the presentation of the pleadings.
  • Respond clearly and precisely to the magistrate's concerns.
  • Make available to the judge all pleadings, evidence and testimony of the arguments presented to defend the case.
  • Always remain calm, regardless of the path the case may take. It is important for your client and your personal trajectory to overcome any situation that affects the interests of the case as calmly as possible.
  • If necessary, practice the intervention with your witnesses, before appearing in court.
  • Provide accurate advice to the client, in order to avoid errors in the presentation of the case and ensure the legitimate defense.

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