The Most Difficult Part of My Job as a DUI Lawyer

The other day I was on a DUI message board that I belong to and an interesting discussion was taking place.  One board member posted the following question.  What is the most difficult part of your job as a DUI lawyer?  There were probably a hundred or so responses to this question, and it was very interesting to see who other DUI Lawyers felt, and kind of compare it to what I feel is the most difficult part of my job.

So what is the most difficult part of my job you ask?  For some of the DUI Attorneys it was difficult for them to pin point one thing that is the most difficult part of their job.  Some said it was difficult dealing with certain Prosecutors, Judges, and Police Officers.  Some said it was difficult dealing with certain clients.  Additionally some said the most difficult thing was the cases themselves.  In terms of evidentiary concerns, lack of legal issues, etc.  There was a variety of reasons given on what makes being a DUI Attorney difficult.  But for me identifying what the most difficult part of my job is easy.

The conversation you have with a client after a tough jury trial verdict.  There really aren’t any words that can make the client feel better.  It’s definitely a tough situation to be in.  On one hand you want to make the client feel better, but on the other hand you know their life is not going to be the same.  As they now have a conviction on their record.

Every DUI lawyer I know has had this tough conversation with a client.  So I recently asked other DUI Lawyer what they say to the client.  Most recognized this is an extremely difficult conversation to have, and can be at times unpleasant.  But the best thing to do is just be honest with the client and speak from the heart.

In my experience as a lawyer I can say unequivocally that every jury trial I have litigated I have given it my all.  Win, lose, or draw I can always say that and I think every client I have ever represented knows that and appreciates it.  Because that is what I would want in an attorney who represents me.  If I was ever in the position where I was a litigant in a jury trial, if my attorney gave it everything they had.  Even if things didn’t turn out the way I wanted, I would appreciate the respect the effort, and I could live with the results.

For any Attorneys that read this blog, what is the most difficult part of your job?  Leave a comment.