My anti-authoritarian instincts let me directly to criminal defense work.

There are lawyers who believe in client-centered representation and who are dedicated on the same level I feel I was dedicated.

I loved the work. I missed it for years after I was arrested. I couldn't drive past 100 Centre New York City Criminal Court, that whole area, without crying, seeing people going to court and knowing I couldn't do that anymore. I still do miss it. I don't think I could ever go back. Maybe I could consider second-seating my son or someone else whose work I respect. But I could not take on any responsibility. I'm out of step; I haven't kept up.

I took anything that came across my doorstep. I started getting a reputation.

I would never take a case that had to do with abusing children. They're the true innocents.

My anti-authoritarian instincts let me directly to criminal defense work.

Today, it's not the same playing field as when I first became a lawyer in 1977, where the government had been restricted by our wonderful Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren's court rulings. Now it's all going the other way, the flow is against the defendant, against anything that could really help a client. But you still fight it, you do what you can do. It's all there is.