Agree. Law School IMO in general provides most with technical expertise, research and writing skills and a framework for analysis.
Strategy and tactics training in defense work IMO is a whole different level of skills. Some people I think learn from seeing how others tried and won cases. Other folks work with masters and learn by osmosis. Some learn through trial and error.
Lots of different paths to get really good but when you see a true master of defense world its a sight to behold IMO. The other thing that is so hard to quantify is the people part of the defense job. Its not enough to have solid tactics and strategy if you can't work the people, process and the system. The rumors of Pattis again butting heads with Colangelo (as they did long ago on a case and where Colangelo cleaned Pattis' clock BTW) is disturbing as it won't help his client most likely and could impact the way the case plays out.
Its hard to generalize but I do think that discipline both in thought and actions generally serves defenders well. Sadly I don't think we have seen much of either of these things from Pattisland.
To
@oceancalling OP, which I loved BTW, with FO and Pattis its a bad matchup as there is simply 'no adult in the room' to keep the train on the track IMO.
Right now it seems like the Pattisville train ride with FD is running off the rails.
The Pattisville facial expressions, treatment of the Judge and demeanor inside and outside the courtroom in Norwalk to me were not only unprofessional but they were unproductive. Guy was clearly having a bad day for whatever reason but he simply wanted to drag the entire world down with him IMO. This is counterproductive and unprofessional IMO but we have seen it on an ongoing basis as it seems like Pattis has zero self control.
If I were his client (wouldn't happen BTW!) I would be afraid to see that lack of focus and discipline as most of the time he looks like a flailing drowning person. Perhaps Pattis simply has too much on his plate and not enough support staff? IDK.
In many respects Pattis seems to be a one trick pony in his dialog about helping the downtrodden, hated or misunderstood get justice. IMO, if there was any substance behind these statements he would keep his eye on the ball and focus on what is impt. Pattis IMO is kind of like a child that desparately needs their ADD medication but refuses to take it consistently and so is always running the risk of self destruction.
FD has a tough decision to make IMO as to whether to stick with Pattis after everything that has been seen play out over the past few months. For my money if I were about to be sitting with murder charges (as I expect will happen to FD in the near future), I would think long and hard about putting myself in the hands of Pattisville.
Perhaps I'm wrong, but I cannot recall seeing anything like we have seen play out in this case in recent times. The system needs for FD to have solid representation in order to function and I'm actually quite concerned that he might not have it!
MOO MOO MOO MOO MOO
