In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explores the critical issue of false testimony and its damaging effects on the justice system. Centered on the case of...more
7/22/2025
/ Criminal Convictions ,
Criminal Justice Reform ,
Criminal Prosecution ,
Ethics ,
Evidence ,
False Statements ,
Investigations ,
Law Enforcement ,
Legal Ethics ,
Trial Attorneys ,
Trial Practice Guidance ,
Witnesses
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
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small recounts his experience as a new prosecutor in the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Division, where he was unexpectedly...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small emphasizes the vital role of storytelling in trials. Drawing from his experiences in the Hyattsville, Maryland, Magistrate's...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small talks about the importance of one's appearance while in the courtroom. He especially emphasizes that the wrong clothing can be...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the best practices for organizing a trial and questioning witnesses. He highlights that no one approach is the same and...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small breaks down the "three C's of impeachment," drawing from his experience in a notable grain elevator explosion case. He highlights...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explains how to impeach a witness' credibility through prior inconsistent statements. He emphasizes the importance of carefully...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explains why eliciting facts, not engaging in arguments, is the most effective strategy when cross-examining a witness. He advises...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
Litigation attorney Dan Small continues his insightful "Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series with a new episode focused on opening statements. Drawing from his extensive trial experience, Mr. Small offers practical tips...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small sits down with Frank Vecella, principal at McKool Smith and former head of litigation for Ericsson, for an in-depth discussion...more
In the fourth episode of his "Ethical Witness Preparation" podcast series, "Finding the Balance," litigation attorney Dan Small draws a parallel between witness preparation and translating different languages. Mr. Small also...more
6/30/2022
/ Attorney-Client Privilege ,
Disclosure ,
Discovery ,
Evidence ,
Expert Testimony ,
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure ,
Federal Rules of Evidence ,
Legal Ethics ,
Litigation Strategies ,
Trial Practice Guidance ,
Trial Preparation ,
Witness Preparation ,
Witnesses
In the third episode of his "Ethical Witness Preparation" podcast series, "A Tortured Journey with the Lying Witness," litigation attorney Dan Small takes an in-depth look at a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule and...more
6/17/2022
/ Attorney-Client Privilege ,
Ethical Standards ,
Evidence ,
Expert Testimony ,
Federal Rules of Evidence ,
Legal Ethics ,
Litigation Strategies ,
Rules of Civil Procedure ,
Trial Preparation ,
Witness Preparation ,
Witnesses
In the latest episode of his "Powerful Witness Preparation" podcast series, Listen for the Song in Your Witness’ Head, litigation attorney Dan Small shares how to bridge the disconnect between what a lawyer believes their...more
In the latest episode of his "Powerful Witness Preparation" podcast series, What is a Deposition, litigation attorney Dan Small clears up any confusion surrounding what a deposition actually is. He explains that the...more
In the latest episode of his "Powerful Witness Preparation" podcast series, Witness Preparation is Okay, litigation attorney Dan Small shares how to overcome the misconception that preparing for trial is cheating the system....more
In the latest episode of his "Powerful Witness Preparation" podcast series, Bridging the Gap, litigation attorney Dan Small shares how to overcome the difficulties of bridging the gap between normal conversation and...more
In the latest episode of his "Powerful Witness Preparation" podcast series, If You Don't Remember, Say So, litigation attorney Dan Small continues his in-depth 10-part series on the rules for witness preparation. He explains...more
In the latest episode of his "Powerful Witness Preparation" podcast series, Be a Relentlessly Polite Witness, litigation attorney Dan Small continues his in-depth 10-part series on the rules for witness preparation. He warns...more
In the latest episode of his "Powerful Witness Preparation" podcast series, Remember, You Are On The Record, litigation attorney Dan Small continues his in-depth 10-part series on the rules for witness preparation. He...more
In the latest episode of his "Powerful Witness Preparation" podcast series, Witness, Take Your Time, litigation attorney Dan Small begins an in-depth 10-part series on the rules for witness preparation. He explains that there...more