JC Master – Lawyer Stories | A Collection of Selected Lawyer Tales (No. 35)

As litigation lawyers, the courtroom is the battlefield, and the gavel’s strike sounds the charge. Between lawyers, and between lawyers and prosecutors, a spirited debate unfolds—grounded in facts and law—a true contest of champions. Mastering legal techniques, deploying ever‑changing strategies, and leveraging deep theoretical grounding to maximize our clients’ lawful interests—that is every litigator’s dream. Each time I don the robe, I am filled with fighting spirit; it is precisely the discipline of countless battles that forges a lawyer’s sharp, agile mind. After years of practice, no challenge seems insurmountable. Even before a dispute arises, I conduct compliance reviews, heighten risk‑management awareness, and strive to prevent conflicts altogether. And when disputes do emerge, our focus turns to solutions: we map out multiple courses of action, remaining calm and composed under pressure. That is why I believe: every problem has a way forward.

An excellent litigation lawyer must, first and foremost, possess a solid theoretical foundation. The essence of legal practice lies in bridging facts and law; without a robust theoretical grounding—without a clear understanding of the relevant statutes—how can one effectively integrate law with fact? Second, it is crucial to thoroughly ascertain the facts and gather evidence. In litigation, evidence is king: no matter how eloquently one argues, without compelling evidence, the case will ultimately falter. As the Chinese saying goes, “Facts speak louder than rhetoric.” Yet many lawyers fail to prioritize evidence‑gathering, leaving them on the defensive in court and even resulting in adverse judgments. Moreover, a skilled attorney must meticulously scrutinize the opposing party’s evidence, rigorously assess its admissibility, reliability, and relevance, and actively seek out counter‑evidence. Third, diligence and precision are paramount. Handling a case demands that the lawyer fully grasp every detail, repeatedly analyze the circumstances, and construct a clear diagram of the legal relationships at issue. When necessary, the team should engage in collective deliberations and simulate courtroom arguments, refining each point of contention until no detail is overlooked. Finally, strong verbal and written communication skills enable the lawyer to present the established facts and applicable legal principles persuasively to the presiding judge, ensuring that the judge fully understands the case and is persuaded by the lawyer’s position.

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