What I have just learned about advocacy from Cicero

I’m reading a good book at the moment about the life of Cicero, seen through the eyes of his slave and secretary, Tyro.

Cicero was the foremost advocate of his day (40BC to 60BC), and known for his rhetoric and oratory.

When you read a book like this, however, you are always looking for some gem or nugget of information to take and implement in my everyday life as a lawyer.

I found it.

Cicero was of the opinion that regardless of what you were arguing for, you needed to either believe in what your cause or some part of it.

Belief was critical. So even if your client is manifestly guilty and all the evidence is stacked against him you need to find something in which to believe and on which to hang your advocacy.

It is a bit like a guy selling a horse. Even if the horse is imperfect, the vendor needs to believe in him and overlook the flaw(s).

So, too, with advocacy.

The next time I am in the WRC I will bring this with me.