The Supreme Court is generally viewed as a place where novices fear to tread. But in the criminal defense bar, where individuality and swagger reign, some hold onto the romantic notion that if they can conquer a hometown jury, they can work the same charm on the nine justices. That can be a mistake. And anyone looking to upgrade criminal defense advocacy before the high court faces cultural and institutional obstacles. Says one attorney, "There's a lone-wolf quality" to criminal defense lawyers
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