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Brian Witzer: on being a plaintiff's attorney

As a plaintiff's lawyer, we represent the victim, and I think because of my cultural heritage, I associate with those people who are victimized by stronger entities. The short stint that I had as a defense lawyer working on the behalf of Squibb caused me to sympathize substantially more with the plaintiff's lawyer. His perseverance encouraged me to go and work on behalf of the victim as opposed to a corporation or an institution. Part of the reason why I enjoy being a plaintiff's lawyer is that we are the ones who put the case on first. As the plaintiff’s lawyer, I frame the case and I tell the jury what my case is about. I tell them why justice is served by a verdict in his or her favor. I could have decided to work on behalf of the defense and criminals, or worked on behalf of insurance companies. As a prosecutor other entities all want you to come over to either the defense or go on the civil defense. I found it to be a compromise for me to do that, and I didn’t think I'd be able to live with myself if I got a criminal off. I know they are entitled to the greatest defense, but to get a drug dealer, a child rapist, or a child molester off would be soul-killing for me.

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