The Trial-Averse Lawyer: Why I Refuse to Shy Away from the Courtroom

After 35 years of trying cases—including death penalty trials—I’ve seen a troubling trend in criminal defense: too many lawyers avoid the courtroom. They push plea deals, negotiate settlements, and steer clients toward the path of least resistance. But that’s not why I became a lawyer. 

I entered this profession because I believe in the power of the courtroom. I believe in the fundamental right to a fair trial, the importance of challenging the system, and the duty of a defense attorney to fight—really fight—for their clients. A trial is where justice is tested, where the government must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and where the accused has a true voice. 

Avoiding trial can sometimes be the right choice, but it should never be the default. Some lawyers fear the unpredictability of a jury, the pressure of arguing before a judge, or the sheer workload that trial preparation demands. But if a lawyer is unwilling to step into the ring, they are doing a disservice to their clients and to the very foundation of our legal system. 

For 35 years, I’ve been in the trenches. I’ve defended clients in cases where everything was on the line—including their very lives. I know what it takes to go to trial against the full weight of the government, and I never back down when a fight is necessary. I didn’t become a lawyer to make deals in back rooms—I became a lawyer to fight for the people who put their trust in me. 

If you need a lawyer in northeast Pennsylvania who will actually fight for you—not just one who talks a big game—I’m here. Because when your freedom, or even your life, is on the line, you deserve a real trial lawyer. The Law Office of John B. Pike is located in Kingston, Pennsylvania and is capable and will to go to trial for you.