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Author: Paul Luvera

Luvera practiced plaintiff law 55 years. He is past President of the Inner Circle of Advocates & Washington State Trial Lawyers Association. Member ABOTA, American College of Trial Lawyers, International Academy, International Society of Barristers and the American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame. Book Luvera on Advocacy available at Trial Guides Publishing Email paul@luvera.org
SHOULD YOU TELL THE JURY IN VOIR DIRE HOW MUCH YOU WANT IN THEIR VERDICT?

SHOULD YOU TELL THE JURY IN VOIR DIRE HOW MUCH YOU WANT IN THEIR VERDICT?

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There is a difference of opinion about whether plaintiff should tell the jury the verdict amount you are asking for in jury selection. Some believe it is too soon in the case and it will alienate the jurors. Others, that it is important to anchor the number immediately.  What  follows is a very general discussion about giving the  jury the verdict you want  in voir dire and/or opening  statement David Ball recommends it be done in his book Damages  and…

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A CHECKLIST FOR A RETAINED EXPERT WITNESS

A CHECKLIST FOR A RETAINED EXPERT WITNESS

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Good office management is just as important in a plaintiff’s practice as it is in any other law practice. Retaining past work for use in the future is a good method of efficiency. Checklists, however, are the most fundamental ways to avoid mistakes and have office efficiency. One or more checklists for all of the generally repetitive work done in the plaintiff practice saves time and avoids error. Commercial pilots carefully follow checklists to ensure safety. Good plaintiff trial lawyers…

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A GREAT TRIAL LAWYER IS SOMEONE WHO IS ALSO A GREAT LISTENER

A GREAT TRIAL LAWYER IS SOMEONE WHO IS ALSO A GREAT LISTENER

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Netflix has a new program  featuring David Letterman interviewing prominent people,  “My Next Guest Is”.  https://www.netflix.com/title/80209096  I watched the interview with President. Barack Obama and was struck by the contrast of communication skills between the interviewer, David Letterman, and the guest. Obama is an extraordinarily gifted communicator. He is poised, self-confident and has impeccable timing with the gift of articulate communication. Trial lawyers should study him as a model for improved communication skills. Letterman presented a distracting interviewer from my…

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