I traveled about 90 miles for a routine hearing, court approval of a medical malpractice wrongful death settlement.
I expected it to be a non-event - and it was. The judge approved the proposed resolution in less than five minutes.
So, what is my point?
When you have been doing this awhile, you learn - sometimes the hard way - that even the simplest situations can blow up.
You’ve done everything right. Yet, you can still get hit with a surprise. Often, it is a development that is simply not foreseeable.
There’s not a lot you can do to be prepared for some quirky development.
However, as a trial lawyer you always need to consider the possibility that some event will not go as planned. It happens.
Preparation is a mindset: One needs to maintain a perspective of expecting the unexpected.
You may need to think on your feet - and do it quickly.
This morning was easy - and for that I am grateful. But I should never take that for granted.