What’s your emergency plan for jury trials?
In every football game, coaches make decisions about whether to take a timeout, to accept a penalty, or to go for it on 4th down. These decisions must often be made in a split-second, and can affect the entire outcome of the game. Anyone who’s watched football has probably heard the old mantra, "Every second you leave on the clock unnecessarily may be the one your opponent uses to beat you." That’s why football coaches spend so much time studying clock management...
Read MoreDay of Trial: Your Morning Success Ritual
During trial, you need your mind and body operating at their peak performance levels. You need to be able to object immediately when you hear potentially objectionable material, to think quickly on your feet when cross-examination takes an unexpected turn, and to look energetic and engaged when delivering your closing argument. If your mind and body aren’t at 100%, you’re doing your client a great disservice. That’s why you need to establish a morning ritual that helps you get the most out...
Read MoreAdvice from an Experienced Trial Lawyer
“William Wirt’s Advice to a Young Lawyer” This week’s post is a little different. I found a book written in 1850 entitled, Success in Life: The Lawyer, by L.C. Tuthill, and thought you might enjoy one of the chapters from that books, entitled “William Wirt’s Advice to a Young Lawyer.” Wirt, who was the prosecutor in Aaron Burr’s treason trial, is credited with turning the Attorney General’s position into a position of influence (he held the position for 12 years,...
Read MoreDoes your case have a title?
In the Perry Mason TV show, every episode had a title. That quick and easy shortcut let the viewers know what the case was about, and helped them quickly and easily understand why Perry was involved. Here are some examples of the episode titles: The Case of the Nervous Accomplice The Case of the Silent Partner The Case of the Angry Mourner The Case of the Runaway Corpse The Case of the One-Eyed Witness The Case of the Deadly Double The Case of the Half-Wakened Wife The Case of the Desperate Daughter The Case...
Read MoreTrial Lawyers: Choose Your Next Word Carefully!
After three years of law school, you’re expected to be a wordsmith. You make your living with words, so it’s important to choose your words carefully when speaking to judges and jurors. You want to avoid words that invoke resistance from jurors, and choose words that make it easy for them to buy. Today you’re going to begin building the vocabulary list for your trial. Your vocabulary list will include the preferred words that you’ll purposely use in trial (because they best tell your...
Read MoreResources for Trial Lawyers
