Spotlight on Joyce David

"Politics, law and media are the three areas where power resides," says Joyce B. David, the first woman president of the Kings County Criminal Bar Association. Ms. David, who has a finely tuned appreciation for the workings of power, successfully merges each of these areas in a career that includes credits as author of What You Should Know If You're Accused of a Crime (Shut up and call a lawyer.), chair of the Brooklyn Women's

Political Caucus, guest commentator on Court TV and a criminal lawyer with 15 years of headline‑making experience. And that's just the frosting on the resume.

A WICI member since her days as a New York University journalism student, Ms. David imagined herself a writer trekking off to the Himalayas, until she realized the court room offered satisfactions journalism didn't. "I like to be the center of attention and I never shut up," she says. Having grown up a Perry Mason fan (Raymond Burr resembles her rabbi father), the former Yeshiva student and mother of two was drawn to the drama and excitement of criminal law.

The specialty also offers danger. "I enjoy going into tough neighborhoods, into the netherword," she says. "Fortunately, I can come back." Many of her clients can't. They are often trapped by poverty, drugs and the lure of easy money. Only occasionally does Ms. David represent more upscale clients, such as the blond medical writer who unrelentingly stalked a famous Upper East Side doctor.

Joyce David is the first woman
President of the Kings County
Criminal Bar Association.

Ms. David uses her journalism skills in each of her defenses. "You must know your audience - the jury in deciding - what language to use," she says. "In a newspaper article, your lead is on top and you use short, simple sentences. That's the same way you feed information to a jury."

While the law is Ms. David's greatest love, watch for politics and media activities to play greater roles in her future. Possibilities include documentary films and a book about her legal adventures. The tentative title: "David vs. Goliath."

Diane Specht has recently established a freelance practice. Ms. Specht also wrote doctor. "Secrets to Success" in this issue.

Copyright © 2003 , Web site designed by DarkfameRadio.com