In the absence of my attorney, who was unavoidably engaged in another case, I found myself compelled to represent myself and my company today in court. During the proceedings, the opposing party sought to be awarded costs for not having been served the change of counsel or to be allowed to proceed with their case in my attorney’s absence. I responded by asserting that they did not deserve the fee, given that the circumstances were entirely beyond our control. It was unfair for them to take advantage of my counsel’s absence to push forward with their case.
I further informed the judge that if such fees were to be awarded, we would have no choice but to appeal the decision. The judge, displaying a commendable understanding of the situation, then asked me what I would prefer. I requested a new date for the proceedings, with no award of fees to the Defendant’s counsel.
In an admirable display of judicial empathy, the judge granted my request, rescheduling the case for April 2025.
The judge, on a lighter note, told me that I should seriously consider becoming a lawyer. This judge truly stands out as someone who integrates human factors into the judicial process, offering a fair and considerate approach to the complexities of the case.
