Watch Out For The Well

Had another appearance yesterday in the busiest courtroom I've experienced so far.  I was about to cross the judge's well before the courtroom clerk politely reminded me not to be there. I got to keep looking out for this sacred space. The Deputy District Attorney was kind of a jerk. I approached him at his table because I wanted to talk about the case, just basic things like setting up the next calendar date and any possible settlement offers. He abruptly left and talked with other attorneys, most likely other DA's or city attorneys, even though I was standing right beside him. I first thought he didn't hear me because the courtroom was a little loud although not deafening.  I walked towards him and before I can finish asking if we can talk, he interrupts me and says, "Just wait over there [pointing to his table.]" I overheard their conversation and it was the usual friendly banter but had nothing to do with work. I took a step back and told him, "I'll just wait right here."  We went to his table and briefly discussed the usual before my case was called. Although it wasn't the smoothest meeting, I'm glad I met someone like him. It could have been the nature of the hectic courtroom or he could have always been  abrasive, but I'm glad I went through it.