July 18, 2008 by Zale.

My law office does not use Windows.  This was a business decision on my part.  The office uses Linux, specifically Ubuntu and Mandriva, to run it’s computers.  Linux is more secure than Windows or Macintosh and is much, much cheaper to operate.  For this, the office has gotten some attention.  Check out the article in at Linux.com about the office.

Posted in General Law | 1 Comment »

July 18, 2008 by Zale.

Here’s a few thoughts that might help you as you go before the judge.

• Dress nice.  Dress as if you were going to church or a funeral.
• Be courteous to the judge.  After all, he or she is the one deciding your case.   Also, I don’t care if you grew up with the judge or not, refer to him or her as “Your Honor”.
• Do not lean on the podium, just stand there, straight up.
• Do not argue with the judge.  It will only make things worse.
• Do not drink or take drugs before you come into court.  Do not drink so much the night before that you still smell of alcohol the next day, in court.
• If you have worked a plea deal out with the DA, do not try to renegotiate it while standing in front of the judge.
• If you tell the judge you are going to get an attorney, go get one.
• Be nice to the clerks and secretaries, often they are the eyes and ears of the judge.

These are just a few tips from the errors I see in court.  I’m sure there are many others out there, but just remember, you are going to court, not Wal-Mart.

Posted in Litigation, Criminal Law, Injury Law, General Law | No Comments »