Podcast - Part II: The Do’s and Don’ts of Demonstratives
Podcast - Part I - The Do’s and Don’ts of Demonstratives
Podcast - How Do You Define Success?
Podcast - Seek Out Feedback
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
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small shares personal stories from early in his legal career that illustrate the invaluable role of experienced trial observers and...more
In this special guest episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small interviews Ian Ratner, CEO of GlassRatner and B. Riley Advisory Services. Mr. Ratner reflects on his three...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
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
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 his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small examines the crucial role of confidence and conviction in persuading a jury, highlighting the fine balance between appearing...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the importance of distinguishing between the theory of the case and the themes used to persuade a jury, emphasizing the...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small emphasizes the value of observing other lawyers in action, highlighting trials as opportunities to witness persuasive skills...more
Legal discovery often comprises the longest stage of casework—identifying evidence, developing timelines, and vetting witnesses. The facts, strengths, and weaknesses of a case provide puzzle pieces that attorneys identify and...more
As it pertains to building a solid case, persuading jurors, and securing the best chances of a favorable outcome, witnesses can make or break your trial. It’s essential to utilize key witnesses to their full potential during...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses effective strategies for closing arguments in trials. Mr. Small emphasizes two key principles: not asking for more...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small zeroes in on the enemies of impactful closing arguments: disorganization and verbal clutter. He critiques the common pitfall of...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
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
Case preparation can take months of research, depositions, and strategic planning—all for that one high-pressure moment in court. Even learning how to write a good opening statement can take a considerable amount of time and...more
In most legal battles in the US, the ultimate decisions about guilt or innocence—along with sentencing and other concerns—are made not by attorneys or judges but by the jury panel. The role every citizen is responsible for...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explains the importance of maintaining control during cross-examination. He emphasizes the need for careful preparation, clear...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the real-world challenges of direct examination, emphasizing that while the ideal scenario would be a perfectly coherent...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the complexities attorneys face in crafting an effective opening statement during a trial. He tackles common challenges...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses some common mistakes that lawyers tend to make in opening statements. As he explains, although there’s no such thing...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small outlines the importance of connecting with jurors from the beginning of the trial. He explains that an important aspect of drawing...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small describes different approaches to opening statements in a trial, outlining three common styles: dramatic, theme-oriented and...more
In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, Holland & Knight litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the use of legalese in the courtroom. He advises attorneys to avoid using too much legal jargon...more
As a litigator, my first legal position was as a Navy JAG, handling cases first as a defense attorney, then as a prosecutor. Since leaving from the Navy, my practice has focused on patent litigation. But I’ve never had an...more