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Month: July 2008

Political fund raising and the art of persuasion

Political fund raising and the art of persuasion

I received a form letter asking for money to support a judicial candidate. It’s typical of many such letters we get in the mail. This one is a good illustration of a poor approach to persuasionn. It began with a statement in large capital letters "Harry needs your help." It followed that with"Judge Harry Smith’s future on the court depends upon the support…of friends." It went on to say "We want to make certain that Harry receives the financial support…

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Gerry spence trial college

Gerry spence trial college

I’ve just returned from my annual trip to the Spence Trial College which is conducted on a remote ranch about two hours drive from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I like to claim thatsince the time I was invited by Gerry to teach there when it first began over a decade ago, it’s so I can teach lawyers how to try cases. But, the cold hard truth is that I go there to learn more than to teach. I have become friends…

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Sandy koufax advice to trial lawyers

Sandy koufax advice to trial lawyers

I’ve just finished a book written by Jane Leavy, Sandy Koufax. I had admired Sandy for his good character and his amazing pitching skill. He became famous when he refused to pitch in the opening game of the 1965 World Series because it was Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. One passage in the book struck me as great advice to lawyers, especially young lawyers. When a young Dodger struck out he was in the locker room…

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