Significant Career Lesson From A Deputy District Attorney In Trial Litigation
As a Deputy District Attorney, one significant lesson learned is to "believe it" - realizing that not everyone involved in a criminal case will be happy with the outcome is crucial in an adversarial system, and trying to please everyone is futile given the nature of the work. For someone who wants everyone to "appreciate and be happy and enjoy what you're doing," this realization is essential.
Adversarial System, Criminal Justice, District Attorney, Workplace Challenges, Industry Realities
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lance Cotton
Deputy District Attorney
Trial Litigation
California State University: Long Beach
Chapman University, School of Law
Criminal Justice
Law
Legal
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. The criminal justice system is adversarial, and not everyone involved will be happy with the outcome.
2. It's important to realize early in your career that you can't please everyone in this profession.
3. If you need everyone to appreciate what you're doing, you may struggle in this field because of the nature of the system.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you've learned that has proven significant in your career?
One lesson that has proven significant in my career: you can't please everybody in this profession. It's an adversarial system.
Not everyone involved in a criminal case will walk away happy or appreciative of the results. This is a lesson to realize early in your career.
If you are the type of person who wants everyone to appreciate and enjoy what you're doing, you're in for an awakening. That's not the nature of the system.
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