Lessons from my first jury trial and error

Judge Stern recalls his baptism under fire as a Federal Public Defender in an unlawful detainer eviction action in front of an impatient judge

Michael L. Stern

From Issue: 2019 July

Being yourself at trial

“The bigger, overarching question is, do you play it safe – e.g., keep it simple, not go for home runs – or go big?”

Seth Rosenberg

From Issue: 2019 January

Early identification of dangerous conditions in intersections and highways

Combine online tools with a scene inspection to narrow your search for a dangerous condition

Carlos Gomez

From Issue: 2018 November

Forgiveness

A collaborative assessment of the value of forgiveness in a litigation practice

Eileen Barker
Barbara Monty

From Issue: 2018 May

Premises liability: Build on your theme right through closing argument

Let defendant’s violation of community safety rules be your theme

Jeff Rudman

From Issue: 2018 March

The perils of coat tailing

When you hitch a ride on someone else’s trial, remember – “Nobody Rides for Free”

Walter (“Skip”) Walker

From Issue: 2017 May

Investigating and conducting written discovery in roadway-design cases

Getting past the roadblock of the commonly asserted design-immunity defense

Kimberly Wong

From Issue: 2019 April

Communication skills for lawyers

Try thinking of opposing counsel as decent people who care about puppies and children

John P. Blumberg

From Issue: 2018 December

Building coalitions through storytelling

Lincoln the lawyer could tell a story. The story of the case must be told well, just like the unfolding of a movie or book.

Jeffrey Krivis

From Issue: 2018 August

The defense physical exam (medical exam) is not an interrogation

Don’t let the medical examiner conduct an oral examination – this isn’t a deposition

Clifton Smoot

From Issue: 2018 April

The psychological science of jury persuasion

The “devil’s advocate” technique can overcome barriers to persuasion

John P. Blumberg

From Issue: 2017 November

Twelve concepts crucial to successful voir dire

Attorneys must take special care in painting for the jury the minor-impact-auto-accident case with only soft-tissue injuries

Christopher Dolan

From Issue: 2017 February