As the saying goes, a good lawyer knows the law, a great lawyer knows the judge. Building credibility with the court in any case is vital. Veteran attorney and longtime judge Mark Drummond explains why and how you earn trust. 

Trust and credibility are built brick by brick. It takes a lifetime to build your reputation, but breach that trust once, and the judge will never forget. And make no mistake, judges talk among themselves, so willful missteps will be known across the courthouse and for the rest of your career. 

Understand the meaning of “candor to the tribunal.” When dealing with a judge, telling the truth is one thing. That can mean presenting the strengths of your case. But candor is what you also share with the judge beyond that, the thorns of the case. Judges who feel you weren’t completely candid may never fully take you at your word again. They may forever wonder what you’re withholding.

If you’ve ever wondered what a judge is thinking about you, Judge Drummond lets you know and shares some of his favorite tips for building credibility and putting your best foot forward from the moment you walk into the courtroom. 

Resources: 

Previous appearance on the Legal Talk Network, “NYU’s Civil Jury Project (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024),” State Bar of Texas Podcast

American Bar Association “Free Legal Answers” 

Civil Jury Project, NYU School of Law 

Susman Agreements: Clarity for the Rules of Civil Procedure 

Access to Counsel Project, Federal Bar Counsel 

“Dealing With Jerks,” by Judge Mark Drummond in ABA Litigation News 

“Understanding the Pareto Principle (The 80/20 Rule),” Better Explained 

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Litigation Section