Browsed by
Month: June 2007

Earl rogers one of america’s great trial lawyers with lessons for lawyers today

Earl rogers one of america’s great trial lawyers with lessons for lawyers today

I’ve talked before about the 1962 classic book Final Verdict which describesSan Francisco trial lawyer Earl Rogers and is written by his daughter Adela Rogers St. Johns. I’m not sure how many times I’ve read it, but I’ve enjoyed and learned something from it each time. Here are a fewpassages that contain lessons for trial lawyers today. He was quick witted. In an argument during trial, his opponent said "I don’t need you to teach me the law" and Rogers…

Read More Read More

How to make an opening statement that has impact

How to make an opening statement that has impact

When we think about opening statement we need to remember that a trial is a battle of impression and not logic. It isn’t who has the biggest pile of evidence that wins. It’s what compelling impression is made upon the jurors. Studies make it clear that we form almost every decisions at a "gut" level and then form a reason for doing so with our intellect. It’s the big picture that counts, more then the law and more thenlogic. The…

Read More Read More

Recommended books for trial lawyers

Recommended books for trial lawyers

Here’s a short list of books most trial lawyers would find both interesting and useful in their practice: James Mclhaney McElhaney’s Litigation American Bar Association Theater Tips and Strategies for Jury Trials by David Ball ublished by NITA (National Institute for Trial Advocacy) A Plaintiff’s Attorney’s Guide to Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases by David Ball Published by NITA David Ball on Damages Published by NITA Courtroom Communication Strategies by Lawrence Smith & Loretta Malandro Published by Kluwer Law…

Read More Read More