Why did Amodeo Start Practicing Law?
Many moons ago, Amodeo was reading bankruptcy case notes in a big red folder, and saw how a real difference could be made in people's lives. Amodeo was shocked how nobody was truly doing it beforehand, soon convincing him that he wanted to practice. He enjoyed winning the impossible cases, and indeed, he won.
A Lesson Learned from Judge Kahn
Amodeo came into court before Judge Kahn. He had a complicated financial argument on how to value automobiles, so his client could benefit from it and keep his possession(s). Amodeo made the demonstration and thought it was successful, as the Judge said he would take it under advisement.
Afterwards, Amodeo went downstairs, because Atlanta courtrooms were in large towers. As he approached the exit, secret service came up to him and said, "go back upstairs and see the Judge." Amodeo went upstairs, entered the Judge's chambers, to hear, "Young man, sit down (Amodeo was 29 at the time). If you EVER do that to me again, you BETTER have a toothbrush packed, because I'm going to put you in contempt for as long as I can keep you there!"
Further, the Judge said, "I got one clerk. You filed your brief two days ahead of time, I don't understand any of that math! And, you're surprising me so I look like a fool not knowing what you're talking about! Give me plenty of time, so I don't look bad. There is a whole room of attorneys out there and everybody is lost except you! The right thing is, you give me at least a week, so I can know at least something you're talking about!"
That day, Amodeo learned a very important lessons about judges.
Amodeo learned that judges don't know everything, and it is the attorney's job to educate them in advance about the facts and the law. Judges are never supposed to be surprised. He also developed a great deal of respect for Judge Kahn on the proper way to behave.