Browsed by
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
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN JURORS NOD AT WHAT WE SAY OR THE WITNESS SAYS?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN JURORS NOD AT WHAT WE SAY OR THE WITNESS SAYS?

Dr Stanley Brodsky and Dr. Michael P. Griffin PhD from the University of Alabama published an article “When Jurors Nod” that’s worth thinking about. the authors note that the attention of attorneys to a juror is captured when jurors nod their heads. We assume it means agreement  with us.  When an attorney or  witnesses testify, there are often people on the jury nod their heads up and down, some rapidly and some with barely visible movement of the head. The…

Read More Read More

ARGUING DAMAGES – SOME CONCEPTS TO CONSIDER

ARGUING DAMAGES – SOME CONCEPTS TO CONSIDER

The objective of a personal injury lawsuit for damages is  primarily the damages. Yet, in my experience, this often is the most difficult part of summation for attorneys. How do you ask for the money I am often asked? We know that there is not one answer to this question and that it all depends upon the advocate as well as the facts of the case. Here is a simple outline of a general approach, but the important fact is the credibility of…

Read More Read More

RALPH WALDO EMERSON & TRIAL LAWYERS

RALPH WALDO EMERSON & TRIAL LAWYERS

I realize that my most recent posts have departed from my usual offering of practical advice regarding plaintiff trial practice. This post is equally lacking in practical application to trial, but I think worth considering. I’ve been thinking about what are the fundamental qualities of a great trial lawyer and it seems to me that it always starts with who we are, what we believe and what we think. Everything else are learned attributes or techniques. The most important thing…

Read More Read More