Preparation

My wife and I recently saw a great movie, Draft Day, starring Kevin Costner.  In the movie Costner portrays the fictional manager of the Cleveland Browns. Over his desk is a plaque that reads "Every Battle Is Won Long Before It Is Ever Fought." The quote is from The Art of War by the famous Chinese general and military strategist Sun Tzu.   Written over 2500 years ago, Sun Tzu's book is a classic work of military strategy still studied today, and truer words have never been spoken. On the battlefield, on the playing field, or in the courtroom, preparation is the key to success. For criminal defense lawyers, I can think of no better summation of our task.  If a criminal case is properly prepared by a skilled and experienced trial attorney, the outcome is often decided before the trial ever begins and, in many cases, trial can be avoided altogether through dismissed or reduced charges or other successful plea negotiations. Judges, prosecutors, juries and clients all recognize proper preparation. Preparation leads to confidence, and confidence leads to success. While every battle, ball game or trial may not be won, properly prepared the odds of success are far greater.