Grand words

US lawyer Richard Grand is never backward in promoting himself, and not without good reason.

The Arizona and California-based litigator is a hugely successful personal injury specialist.

More than 30 years ago, he founded the Inner Circle of Advocates in the US, an exclusive club with 100 lawyers who have each had 50 big PI wins, with at least one each worth $1 million or more.

And a few years ago in the UK, he launched the Richard Grand Society, formed along similar lines.

Anyone that successful clearly should be listened to, and aspiring lawyers visiting the Inner Circle's Web site will benefit from an eclectic collection of quotes under the heading 'thoughts for law students'.

Among others, there are these two gems from Mr Grand himself: 'Good is better than bad because it is nicer'; and 'Being a trial lawyer is one of the most rewarding and one of the most stressful things you can do with your life.

You must march to your own drumbeat.

Be proud of what you do.

Your parents will love to tell people "my daughter/son is a trial lawyer".

I wish you health and luck.

Happiness does not always come with being a trial lawyer.' Another little gem of Mr Grand's is that 'it is better to be lucky than unlucky'.

There is little that humble Obiter could add to such wisdom.