Quick and Easy Trial Graphics
How many times have your witnesses found themselves at a loss for words while trying to explain what happened to them or trying to explain what they saw? It happens more often than you’d like, doesn’t it? Early in my career, I was defending a motion to suppress in a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) case. The issue was whether or not the police officer had a valid reason to stop the defendant’s car. When I asked the officer about the reason for the stop, he told us that the defendant had...
Read MorePractice with your courtroom props!
Jack Bauer may be an expert with firearms, but Kiefer Sutherland, the actor who portrays him on the hit show 24, isn’t. To make sure that the character looks like he knows what he’s doing when he handles a weapon like the Sig Sauer P228 9mm (either with or without the silencer), you can bet that Kiefer spent a significant amount of time familiarizing himself with the prop before they started filming. Before your next trial, it’s essential that you familiarize yourself with your props,...
Read MoreTrial Lawyers – Know Your Audience!
One of the first and most important rules of effective advocacy is this: “Know Your Audience.” Before you walk into any advocacy situation, you should be able to answer three important questions: 1. Who are you speaking to? 2. Who are you trying to persuade? 3. Why? Often, there are several audiences (not all of whom are physically in the courtroom): The judge, the jury, opposing counsel, your client, the opposing party, the appellate record, the press, yourself, the local bar, the general public, family or...
Read MoreWhat Impression Does Your Table Make?
Courthouses vary from county to county, and courtrooms vary from courthouse to courthouse. But for the most part, the tables inside those courtrooms are pretty consistent. Sometimes they have modesty panels, sometimes they don’t, sometimes they have electrical or internet access ports, sometimes they don’t, but regardless of where you try cases, you and your opponent will usually end up sitting behind identical 96″ x 30″ x 30″ tables. The question you need to ask yourself is,...
Read MoreThe Proper Use of Notes During Jury Trials
How many notes do you use during trial? It’s a delicate balancing act. Too few notes, and you run the risk of forgetting to address an important element of your case. Too many notes, and you risk sounding scripted. Here are a couple of quick tips for improving your use of notes during trial. When Speaking Directly to the Jury The importance of eye contact in the courtroom can’t be overstated. The visible (sometimes barely visible) reactions of your jurors can help you decide...
Read MoreResources for Trial Lawyers
