Mastering the Art of Preparing Clients for Cross-Examination: A Guide for Attorneys
In the realm of courtroom litigation, cross-examination stands as a pivotal moment where cases can be won or lost. As an attorney, your ability to prepare your client for this intense scrutiny is paramount. The art of cross-examination lies not only in legal expertise but also in effective client preparation. Here, we delve into the best strategies for attorneys to equip their clients for the challenges of cross-examination in a United States courtroom. CC BY 2.0 Deed Karen Neoh Understanding the Significance Before delving into strategies, it…
Powerfully Vulnerable
“To love at all is to be vulnerable.” ― C.S. Lewis As an avid basketball fan, every March I think about how much I love the NCAA Basketball Tournament and how much disappointment it has brought me over the years. It is absolute heartbreak for 67 teams and their fans, and the exact opposite for one team and fans. Caring about a team and the outcome of a game inherently makes you vulnerable. The same can be said about your clients testifying in court. To testify in court is to be vulnerable. Testifying in court can be a daunting experience, e…
Better Remote Court Presentation
Remote court proceedings are not going anywhere. That said, many attorneys continue to appear in court with poor audio and video production. Your "production" is the new suit coat and shoe shine of pre-COVID court. Looking and sounding good does not have to be expensive, even if you find yourself looking like a cat sometimes. NOTE: This article contains affiliate links that help fund See Generally. Audio In a word, lawyers communicate. You need to be heard at your hearing. Looking back at the past year and the various remote h…
Exhibit Foundation Basics
Laying the proper foundation is the rock upon which you build your entire case. "Peru - Cusco 014b - Inca wall" by mckaysavage is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Preparing Each Exhibit Being able to lay the proper foundation for an exhibit starts well before the hearing. To be able to use something in court, ask yourself: Does the exhibit support your theory of the case? Does the exhibit add to, subtract, or muddy your argument? Is the exhibit duplicative? Has it been disclosed pursuant to applicable rules? Are there hearsay concerns th…
The Will to Prepare
I recently had the opportunity to hear Larry Echo Hawk speak. Mr. Echo Hawk is a former Idaho Attorney General and served as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs under the Obama administration from 2009 to 2012. Mr. Echo Hawk shared an experience he had while playing football for Brigham Young University. Mr. Echo Hawk’s defensive coach was LaVell Edwards who recently passed away . Coach Edwards taught Mr. Echo Hawk the following idea: It is not the will to win that matters, rather the will to prepare. It was obvious …
