Attorneys are advocates for their clients. This is not an opinion. It is a fact – and it is codified in the rules of professional conduct. Our jobs include advocating for our clients and their positions.
For me, being an advocate includes communicating unequivocally to my adversary, and to the court, that I believe in the justness of my client’s position and that I am ready, willing and able to win the case for my client. Rarely, if ever, does it serve my client’s interest for me to speak negatively about the client to opposing counsel in any way. Being an advocate means that I keep any frustration I am having with the client strictly between the client and me. To obtain the best results, my adversary needs to understand that nothing said or done will diminish my resolve to prevail for my client. Occasionally, opposing counsel will ask me if I have a familial relationship or close friendship with my client. When that happens, I know I am doing my job as an advocate.