The Trend of Threatening Physicians for Personal Gain
Podcast - Seek Out Feedback
The Three C’s for Addressing Prior Inconsistent Statements
Podcast - Part II: Being an Expert Is a Lonely Business
Understanding Discovery in Commercial Litigation
Follow the Rules … Most of the Time
Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 313: Spotlight on Criminal Law (Part 3)
Divorce Fees: When Your Spouse Might Have to Pay
Key Discovery Points: Navigating Clawbacks When In-House Counsel Are Included
Podcast - Part I: Being an Expert Is a Lonely Business
Key Discovery Points: Do Your Best to Avoid Discovery Shenanigans!
Hsu Untied interview with Ed Reines, Partner at Jones Day
Key Discovery Points: Be Willing to Agree and Compromise When It Comes to Hyperlinks
Podcast: Don't Just Say It – Show It
Feeling the Heat: Strategies to Keep Cool Under California's Consumers Legal Remedies Act — The Consumer Finance Podcast
Litigation Communications Strategies for High-Stakes Cases: On Record PR
Harnessing AI in Litigation: Techniques, Opportunities, and Risks – Speaking of Litigation Video Podcast
Podcast - Finding Common Ground
Podcast - "Ready for Trial?"
Harnessing the Power of eDiscovery: The Revolution of AI and Technology in Litigation and Investigations - The Consumer Finance Podcast
Seeing is believing, and that’s a problem when it comes to deepfake evidence in court. We’ve already remarked on the many instances where careless use of generative artificial intelligence is flooding courthouses with legal...more
What makes for an effective closing argument, and how important is it? Even after days of testimony and evidence, your closing argument has the potential to sway a jury’s decision and bring about a successful outcome for your...more
Litigation attorney Dan Small unexpectedly took the lead in prosecuting the high-profile case of the Farmers Export grain elevator explosion, a major incident in Galveston, Texas, that resulted in the deaths of 18 people in...more
Law firms are increasingly using technology to assist and optimize their litigation and trial processes, and this trend will almost certainly continue into the future. In particular, the use of external graphics technologies...more
Going to court can be a stressful and emotionally charged experience. Your divorce lawyer will play an important role in preparing you for court, ensuring that you understand the legal proceedings, and helping you present...more
A couple of weeks ago, I was in court to help pick a jury in a high-value case. During that early phase of jury selection, the gallery was full to capacity with potential jurors, the counsel and parties were present, the...more
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
I remember listening to Justice Frank Cleckley of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, my professor for Evidence, open his first lecture with a discussion of Federal Rule of Evidence 103. As a young law student, I was...more
It is common advice for witnesses in the courtroom or representatives at counsel table: keep a poker face. That advice — avoid scowls, grimaces, and other head-shaking reactions while you’re being observed by a jury — has...more
Jury testing is a powerful tool in litigation, and attorneys would be well served to think about their cases as studies worthy of experimentation. Cases are not mysteries to be solved; they are a series of testable questions...more
The Washington Court of Appeals recently affirmed a jury verdict and $30 million judgment for general contractor Skanska. The case involves the construction of the 41-story Nexus condominium tower in downtown Seattle. As is...more
Three years of law school can teach us many things. But what they do not do very well—as we typically discover soon after graduating—is prepare us for the actual practice of law. For those of us who always planned to be...more
Government regulators can often play a role in civil litigation. In some cases, they’re involved as parties. More often, however, their role is as a proxy. In those situations, jurors might look at whether the defendant...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small explores the importance of rhetoric in courtroom communication. Although rhetoric has been less studied in recent times, it has enabled speakers...more
There is a case currently playing out in the Southern District of New York, Major League Baseball Players Inc.,v. Underdog Sports, Inc. There is a common dynamic called out right there in the caption: One side is the “Major...more
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's damage to western North Carolina, a new conspiracy theory gained traction. This conspiracy held that the federal government manipulated the weather as Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina...more
What's the difference? There are three main ways for a defendant to bring a lawsuit to an end. Each involves a different level of proof – and of expense and hassle. It's better to get a lawsuit “disposed of” as early as...more
Early on in the jury selection process, the judge will often ask the panel, “We all know that jury duty can be inconvenient, but who believes they would experience an unreasonable hardship by serving in this case?” Hands will...more
An old adage states, “The worst settlement is often better than the best trial, particularly for the losing party.” This was true in a recent upstate New York case where a jury awarded damages twenty times the realistic...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small outlines essential rules for lawyers during closing arguments. He speaks about the importance of not misstating evidence or...more
As a trial attorney, you’ll often enlist expert witnesses to evaluate claims, clarify complex evidence, write an expert witness report, and offer authoritative opinions. Because time and money can be tight during trial prep,...more
First impressions are crucial—especially when you’re delivering an opening statement to a court of law, establishing and framing the crux of a case for judges and jurors when a trial begins. Clarity, conciseness, resonance,...more
Litigation attorney Dan Small shares insights and strategies for delivering a compelling closing argument in this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series. He explains the challenges of delivering a closing...more
When a case proceeds to trial, a legal team may face a critical decision about whether to have it adjudicated by a jury of peers or a single judge. Both options can offer benefits depending on the merits and subject matter...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