Yup.  That’s right.  I’ve been called that many times in my career as an attorney fighting for the rights of my clients.  Those who call me an asshole are opposing attorneys whom I’ve fought and won or people who’ve taken my clients to court for one reason or another, both civil and criminal.

You see, I don’t mind being called an asshole if the name calling comes from winning a case or defending my clients who I swore to defend and protect.  I wear it like a badge of honor.  I’d suspect most attorneys who are worth their salt would say the same thing.

Sometimes, I feel sorry for my opponents in the courtroom (not necessarily the lawyers but the people) and want to make them wish they hired me.  Maybe next time they will hire me.  If someone deserves it or it’s necessary to defend my client, I will crush them.  In a street fight, you take them down and start kicking the shit out of them.  But one more kick than absolutely necessary is one too many.  I am a fighter in court and in negotiations.  I didn’t learn that in college or law school.  I learned that growing up.  I had to fight for everything I got and it’s come in handy as a trial lawyer.

Outside of the courtroom and my legal work, I’m a different person.  I feel deeply others’ pain and want to help them.  It’s no secret by now (check out Facebook).  I like helping people and I believe I have a duty to help those less fortunate than myself.

In the courtroom or at the negotiating table, well, that’s a different story.  So, I don’t mind if I’m called an asshole or worse.  Practicing law requires you get your hands dirty.