Litigator vs. Trial Attorney

Can you call yourself a litigator if you aren't in trial all the time? regularly? once a year?

The dictionary definition of "litigate" is to pursue or defend claims in a court of law.

To me, that means: trial is not required.

To me, that includes: everything--and I mean everything--leading up to trial.

In reality, we all know that most civil cases resolve before trial.

That's why I distinguish between: civil litigator, on the one hand, and trial attorney, on the other.

All trial attorneys are litigators; but not all litigators are trial attorneys.

Then, there's the #biglaw distinction, as most of us (civil litigators) see few trials (if any). I'm lucky to have had three jury trials.

Regardless: I am a litigator. It is my job, career, profession, a passion.

I don't think anyone can take that away from me.

#job #lawyerwellbeing #professionalwomen #career #law