Podcast - Part I: Being an Expert Is a Lonely Business
Podcast - Finding Common Ground
Law School Toolbox Podcast Episode 504: Listen and Learn -- Motions for Judgment as a Matter of Law and Motions for New Trial (Civ Pro)
Podcast - "Ready for Trial?"
Podcast - Every Case Is a New World
Podcast - The 3 Core Themes of Trial Law: Do the Right Thing
Podcast - How Did We Get Here?
Podcast - Parting Thoughts: Be a "Peddler of Common Sense"
Against All Odds- Part Four
Podcast - Expert Witnesses, Special Issues
Podcast - Direct Examination of Expert Witnesses
Podcast - Drowning in Complexity
Podcast: Part I - Reading the Jury
Podcast - How to Use Humor and Anger Effectively in the Courtroom
Preparing for Deposition Success
Podcast - Connecting Separate Pieces of Evidence Clearly, Persuasively
Podcast - Getting Dressed for Court
How Do Litigators Build the Perfect Jury in a Polarized World? – Speaking of Litigation Video Podcast
Podcast - Presentation is Paramount
Podcast - Voice and Delivery
Regular visitors to this blog no doubt are aware that the rules of practice for the Commercial Division are centered on innovation, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and predictability. This includes the rules governing trial...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the best practices for writing a script for trial. Mr. Small shares that a script works when it's presented properly and...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explores three pivotal trends that have significantly impacted courtroom advocacy in recent years: the digital revolution,...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses how to learn the intricate process of trials. He shares valuable advice for attorneys looking to improve their courtroom...more
Hot seat operator, trial technician, trial presentation specialist, courtroom presentation specialist—a rose by any other name is just as critical to helping you gain a winning edge. Today’s trials, whether bench or jury...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small covers typical areas of expert cross-examination and rules to follow when examining an expert witness. Mr. Small focuses on why...more
In addition to believable witnesses and compelling arguments, evidence is what can help win cases at trial. An item of evidence introduced in a courtroom proceeding is known as an exhibit, and there are several types of...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small highlights the impact of verbal clutter in legal proceedings. He stresses the importance of asking concise, clear questions,...more
Step into the mind of a trial lawyer with On the Stand, a Q&A series. McDermott’s cross-practice trial and appellate lawyers reveal what drives their passion for the courtroom, preparation techniques, advice for junior...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses chronology and why this tool is so important when working on a case. Mr. Small provides key steps for building an...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the differences between persuasion and argument that every trial lawyer should know. In the episode, Mr. Small...more
When Dan Martin first started in the trial consulting profession 25 years ago, the practice of videotaping depositions was still fairly novel. Today, not only are many depositions videotaped, but their capture is often...more
Question: How did the jury arrive at the decision to award the plaintiff $20 million in damages? Actual Juror #1: We came up with a percentage approach, and that’s what we all discussed. We started with what she was asking...more
Fridays loom large in every courtroom. For a trial lawyer, they are a chance to reassess the case’s progression, end a strong week of witnesses on a flourish, or implicitly press jurors for a quick verdict. And of course, the...more
While views may vary, we believe firmly that witness preparation should involve asking witnesses the tough questions, for several reasons: First, we would argue it is better to pose a tough or uncomfortable question up...more
The role of the trial technician—sometimes referred to as a courtroom technology specialist, trial consultant, or hot seat operator—is to quickly find and display documents and video, thus enabling seamless presentation by...more
IMS Strategy Consultant Dr. Clint Townson discusses the benefits of early case theme development and the factors leading jurors to award massive damages....more
IMS Senior Jury Consulting Advisor Dr. Merrie Jo Pitera explains why themes are important for testimony, how to prep witnesses for cross, and what attorneys can gain from working with consultants. Listen, watch, and/or read...more
Over the years, we have heard much consternation from our clients regarding a plaintiff strategy called the “Reptile Approach.” We have seen this approach become more and more popular—not to mention effective—during...more
Think of the last movie you watched. Can you remember how many times there were edits? How many transitions? What kind? Most of us have watched movies our entire lives without really attending to their cuts and...more
In 2001, I co-authored an article entitled “An Ancient Art Jazzed by High Tech” for The National Law Journal with fellow litigation consultant, Stan Sandstrom. When we wrote it, I had just a few high-profile cases under my...more
A “hotseater,” or trial technician, will allow you to focus on delivering a winning argument by taking care of the technical aspects of trial presentation....more