Robert S. Bennett has represented cabinet secretaries, numerous Washington power brokers, heads of state such as President Bill Clinton, other high profile public figures such as Judith Miller, Paul Wolfowitz, former president of the World Bank and recently Republican John McCain.
In his new book, "In The Ring: The Trials of a Washington Lawyer" he talks candidly about life, law and how he toiled to defend his clients and how the scandal machine in Washington D.C., magnified the intensity of some of this most famous litigations. The book is a fascinating and compelling read for anyone who is interested in the media, law and power players in Washington.
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Bennett.
Q What are some of the "mistakes" you've made and what were the lessons learnt from them?
A The only mistakes I have ever made are when I don't follow my instincts, and so, I always follow my instincts.
Q What advice do you give young attorneys starting out?
A Try to get experience in a prosecutor's office or a public defender's office.
Q You talk considerably in your book about the importance of having a balanced life, when did you realize the importance of it and how do you achieve it?
A I always had this view. The only way to achieve it is to set your priorities and follow them.
Q Law is a very academic profession, you seem to be in tune with human drama. Who are your favourite authors?
A For leisure reading, I like Daniel Silva and Michael Connolly. I do not view the law as a particularly academic profession.
Q Who were your role models when you were growing up?
A Duke Snider and Gil Hodges of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Q You have represented very well know politicians, those that garner considerable attention from the press, what is your general approach to dealing with the press?
A Know who in the press you are dealing with and whether or not they are trustworthy. It is always best when your client's case is not in the newspaper, but when it is, the issue is not whether you deal with the press, but how you deal with the press.
Q How would you advise lawyers when dealing with press in high profile cases?
A Never make any statement unless you are sure of its accuracy. The worst thing you can do from a media perspective is to start retracting an earlier statement.
Q Is it fair to say that particularly in high profile cases that the press is PART of the legal process?
A The press is not a part of the legal process, but it can have an impact both good and bad for your client who is caught up in the legal process.
Q Do you think attorneys should get a 101 basic media relations at law school?
A I think it would be a good idea to have such a course as an elective, but I do not think it should replace the more fundamental and basic law courses.
A very big THANK YOU to Robert S. Bennett, for taking the time to answer my questions.
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