How have you been?

LL can speak for himself, but I can't help but think of my experiences be they personal or while working, for lawyers to be of a mind set that nothing is a slam dunk. Never go into a settlement hearing or a courtroom and be over confident. Always make sure your cup is 1/2 empty. Always tell your client "this is an up hill battle, so be prepared to lose."

I have a local lawyer friend that is a defense attorney practicing criminal law. He was a public defender for 3 years, and has had his own practice for 10 now. He represents mostly DUI cases and drug offenders, and occasional armed robbery.

When he takes on a case, the 1st thing he tells his client is, "you are screwed, you are guilty as all get out, the evidence is so much against you, my goal is to get you the lightest sentance I can. Face it Mr. Clent, you are guilty as sin and you are going to jail."

About 20% of the time, his client gets off scott free due to a technicality.

IMO, the "need" are those of us with the cup 1/2 full.