Are You Winning Your Jury Trials?

January 15, 2012 By 2 Comments

I believe that with the right tools and approach, almost any attorney can learn how to become a good trial lawyer.

First of all I’d like to share a short disclaimer with you. I’m a trial lawyer. I’m not a movie actor nor do I sound or look like one. I’m also not a professional director or video producer. I’m just a lawyer trying to share his 26+ years of trial tips with others. I’m using Youtube because it’s the second most popular “search engine” on the internet.

So that’s why I’ve decided to use video to share my trial tips. I hope you find them useful. We all look forward to your comments so don’t be shy!

Now back to the purpose of this trial lawyer video tips blog…

I started this trial tips video blog because from what I hear and see each day, many well-meaning and hard working lawyers (and their clients) are not getting the trial results they’re looking for. They don’t know the “game changing” answer to this critically important question…

What’s the single most important “thing” you need to know and do to consistently win trials?

 

Look, any way you slice it or dice it, trying a case can be a nerve racking experience. Even a bit scary at times. I know because that’s the way I felt when I tried my first jury trial back in 1986.

Now for the good news. It doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, let’s “fast forward” 26 years. Today, when it comes to practicing law and helping clients, there’s nothing I enjoy more than answering ready for trial.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers and truly appreciate the fact that the experience of trying a case is different for everyone. Having said that, I have noticed and learned over the past two decades that there is definitely a right way to try your case and consistently get good results for your clients.

So, here’s my plan for 2012. In my free weekly videos, I’m going to show you exactly how I’ve been winning difficult cases for more than 26 years. I’m also going to reveal some of the best trial techniques I’ve observed other lawyers use to win big verdicts.

In return, all that I ask is that you share your comments and feedback with others.

If you have a particular point or trial technique you would like to share, please do so in the “comments” section of the video. Information is power if shared and acted upon. By sharing your comments, you’ll be empowering others. That’s what this this site is all about!

Make sure to get on my email update list using this link or the box to your right. In return, I promise not to waste your time and I’ll make sure to let you know when a new video comes out (usually each Monday morning). Also please “connect” and join me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google Plus! and Pinterest!

Now the answer to the above question.  The one common “secret’ all good trial lawyers share is that they’ve learned how to effectively be themselves and speak from the heart. Sure, much more is required to win your case but if you can master this one thing, you’ll be light years ahead of everyone else. FYI, I discuss this critically important issue, and more, in the above video.

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“…trial by jury…the only anchor ever yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution….”
Thomas Jefferson, letter to Tom Paine, 1789

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Filed Under: Closing Argument, Cross Examination, Direct Examination, Opening Statement, Voir Dire

Using Deposition Testimony During Cross-Examination To Impeach The Witness

February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Most jurors don’t know what a deposition is or the significance and implications of giving sworn testimony. Lawyers who simply try to impeach the witness by referring to and then reading from a page and line in the transcript are missing a golden opportunity to destroy the witness on cross.

In this video I share a great way use prior sworn deposition testimony to impeach the witness on cross. At the same time, I’m teaching the jury all about the significance of depositions. I’d like to know your thoughts so please share your comments!
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Filed Under: Cross Examination Tagged With: ,

DIRECT EXAMINATION- Do this every 5 minutes or so to spice things up a bit

February 13, 2012 By 1 Comment

Direct exam does not have to be mind-numbing. Use this technique to keep things interesting and sassy for your jury. It’s easy and very effective. Enjoy!

 

 

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Opening Statement- Your First Two Minutes Can Make or Break Your Case!

February 6, 2012 By 2 Comments

The first 2 minutes of your opening statement can make or break your case. Most lawyers go about the start of their opening the wrong way.

They begin by introducing themselves to the jury and then proceed to explain what an opening statement is and how a trial works. They tell the jury that everything they say is not evidence.

Don’t do this.

There’s a better way. Rather than start with the above, I recommend you instead jump right into your client’s story. Take your jury back in time and in 2-3 minutes, share a snapshot of the facts with them described in the present tense and referencing sight, sound, taste, touch and/or smell. Use a powerful metaphor to compliment your case theme whenever possible.

Now, in all fairness, I need to disclose that I’m getting ready for back to back trials and shot this video rather quickly. In fact, I’m a bit embarrassed about how bad my “good” opening statement is. Despite these feelings, my partner convinced me that it makes the point I’m trying to emphasize and so here you go…

 

FYI, here’s a link to my “tap” and “transport” video I referenced above…

 

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Cross-Examination of Expert Witness- Two questions I like to ask…

January 30, 2012 By 2 Comments

Many expert witnesses base their opinions on information provided to them by opposing counsel during the pre-trial process. I’m referencing things like accident or incident reports, autopsy reports, medical reports, photographs, and test results. Despite this common fact, almost all lawyers fail to capitalize on the inherent issues that exist when this happens.

In this video I share a powerful technique (and two questions) that allow me to neutralize, and in some cases completely destroy—in a professional and polite way– the other party’s expert when this happens. The video is a tad long but if you “get it”, this approach can be a deal changer!

The two key cross-examination questions I’m talking about are disclosed about half-way through the video. I also share specific details and examples in the last one-third or so of the video. Make sure to watch the entire video!

Now please do me a favor, if you like the video and what I’m trying to do at this trial tips site, I’d sincerely appreciate it if you would please share this video blog site and links with other lawyers who you think might benefit from these trial tips. Emailing the link and sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Google Plus is a great way to spread the word!

Important Note: I don’t wear a purple jacket, light purple shirt and purple tie when trying cases (or any other time for that matter). The dark blue jacket, white shirt and light blue tie mysteriously changed colors during the video production editing. Just wanted to make sure you didn’t show up in court looking like the Joker in Batman’s “The Dark Knight”.
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Filed Under: Cross Examination, Uncategorized Tagged With:

Tap and Transport- How to Get Your Jury Interested in Your Client’s Story

January 23, 2012 By 1 Comment

Normally when you conduct voir dire, you spend a couple of minutes sharing the general facts of your case so that your potential jurors have some idea about what the case is about. In your opening, you also talk a bit about the facts and what evidence you believe will be introduced during trial.

In closing, you argue the facts in a persuasive fashion to hammer home the case for your client.

The problem is, most lawyers don’t know how to go going the above in an effective fashion. Learn how to “Tap” and “Transport” and you’ll be well on your way to success!

 

 

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My friend, Craig Valentine, is the 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking. His home study course explaining exactly how to tell an effective story is one of the best I’ve seen. Click here to learn how to persuasively tell stories.

 

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Filed Under: Closing Argument, Opening Statement, Voir Dire Tagged With:

Voir Dire- One of My Favorite Questions

January 15, 2012 By 2 Comments

One of my favorite ways to engage prospective jurors and find out what they want me to show them during trial…

 

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Filed Under: Voir Dire Tagged With: