Emiliano Zapata was an outlaw who came in “guns blazing” at every battle, in every bar, restaurant and house. He had two gun belts and he and his men always went in shooting and yelling “Viva Zapata!” Effectively shooting everything in site.
Recently, there was an article in the New York Times that profiled David Kendall, the lawyer for Hilary Clinton. In describing David Kendall, the article detailed certain traits that make a “successful” lawyer. Successful in the sense that he is winning battles for his client.
“If he (David Kendall) gets to court, he does not pound the lectern or point his finger, but lays out a meticulous set of arguments crafted over many hours. . . He’s a true Midwestern gentleman, but he’s a true Midwestern gentleman lawyer who will be very prepared and will not shy away from battling when he believes it’s in his client’s interest,” Even Kenneth W. Starr, the former independent counsel, praises him. “He is going to fight tenaciously, tirelessly hard for his client,” Mr. Starr said. “You’ll get nothing handed to you. You’ll just have to work and work because you know that David (Kendall) will, great lawyer that he is, put up every obstacle that he can as long as he is proceeding professionally.”
Running into court or into a prosecutor’s office with “guns blazing” doesn’t work. It’s unprofessional and it reflects poorly on the client. Slow, methodical, intellectual and academic arguments will always carry the day.