♠ In 'Rounders' (1998), Mike McDermott (played by Matt Damon) drops out of law school to play cards professionally, but not before dropping this gem: "Why do you think the same [people] make it to the final tables in the World Series of Poker every single year? What are they the luckiest guys in Las Vegas? [No.] It's a skill game, Jo."
♣ I've said it before, and I'll say it again: poker and personal injury law share more in common than most realize. Pre-suit claims are a lot like pre-flop HU Hold 'Em. Both players know the expected value of their hand, but neither knows the actual value yet. The board is still unknown. Anything can happen.
♥ Litigators focus equally, if not more, on post-flop HU Hold' Em. The best extract max $ pre- and post-flop, hand after hand. They factor in what they hold, deduce what the opponent most likely holds, and play the player (i.e., risk averse, overly aggressive, likes to bluff, etc.), not just the cards.
♦ But trial lawyers are a different breed. They do all those things well but play the highest stakes. Every case is like playing at a WSOP Final Table. The pressure is immense, mistakes are amplified, and a single misstep can wipe you out. Plus, the difference in payouts--even between 1st and 2nd place finishers--is massive. The best rise to the occasion, skillfully navigate, and know how to win it all.
