Interview

Interview with Peter Zeliff

1. Why are you a good attorney?

 If you begin with the premise that people should be treated with dignity, you can have passion.  Those that want money won't like being an attorney because they will lack the passion that is required to be an attorney.  You have to be able to dignify those you represent.

 Response- Mr. Zeliff is saying that the best lawyer, is the person who puts others before himself and is able to empathize with people. 

2. How long have you been a lawyer?

 Since 1998

 Response- That's the year I was born.  Also, 18 years is a long time to be doing something over and over.  But he still likes doing it.

3. Where did you start?

 In Dekalb County as a public defender

 Response-Everyone has to start as a public defender, even though it seems unbearable. 

4. How old are you?

 44 years old

 Response-  I thought he seemed older, he seems wiser and acts like someone who is in control. 

5. Did you always want to be an attorney?

I knew I wanted to be a trial lawyer in college.  I always felt best in the courtroom.

 Response- I wonder how often he really is in the courtroom doing what he wants to be doing.

6. Why did you want to become one?

  I've never been afraid of speaking my mind; I don't have any fear of what others will say or think.  That's a requirement for certain cases.

 Response-  He acts selfless is seems.  I wonder if he always thought in this type of way, or if it changed over the years.

7. Why did you choose criminal defense?

 The government has too much power; the underdog needs a strong advocate

 Response-  I agree.  Every time I go to the solicitor's office, I see almost 30 business cards of all attorneys working against the defense. 

8. Have you ever worked in another State?

 No

 Response- Is it hard to move around as an attorney?

9. Would you like to?

 No, an efficient litigator knows his streets and town.  He has to know a place.
 Response-  That makes a lot of sense; you wouldn't be able to defend a person if you don't know their circumstances.
10. Are you happy you became an attorney?
Yes, but it's not for everyone.  I'm happy doing the law I'm suited for.  I wanted to be in a courtroom. 
 Response-  I know I wouldn't want to be any other type of attorney than one who actually defended someone.  I couldn't work in an office all day as a corporate attorney or something of the sort.