Key Discovery Points: ESI Protocol Objection Denial Party
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The Journey of Litigation
Podcast - Part II: The Do’s and Don’ts of Demonstratives
Podcast - Persistence and Determination
Podcast - Part I - The Do’s and Don’ts of Demonstratives
Podcast - Walking Tall
Podcast - The Seeds of Corruption
Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 316: Spotlight on Torts (Part 1 – Negligence)
Podcast - How Do You Define Success?
Podcast - Seek Out Feedback
The Three C’s for Addressing Prior Inconsistent Statements
Podcast - Part II: Being an Expert Is a Lonely Business
Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 313: Spotlight on Criminal Law (Part 3)
Podcast - Part I: Being an Expert Is a Lonely Business
Podcast: Don't Just Say It – Show It
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?"
Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 311: Spotlight on Criminal Law (Part 1)
Trial outcomes often hinge on witness testimony. Attorneys collect much of this testimony during a formal process called a deposition. A critical component of discovery, depositions traditionally occur in law offices or...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 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 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
Just what is it that wins a trial case? It’s not a simple matter of providing a bullet list of facts. The subject matter and fine points of evidence can be complex and difficult to follow, and the trial attorneys rarely have...more
In the latest episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small delves into the art of cross-examination, focusing on the strategic use of leading questions. Through practical insights and...more
Michael Cohen, the “Fixer” for Donald Trump, has recently gotten off the stand in the former President’s “hush money” trial. Those taking aim at Cohen’s testimony have pointed out frequent use of “I don’t recall” on many of...more
There’s no denying it—artificial intelligence is changing the legal landscape. Generative AI and the use of machine learning promise to boost efficiency and reduce prep time through multiple phases of litigation. For...more
In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explores how to avoid asking leading questions during direct examination. The Federal Rules of Evidence state that lawyers should...more
Prior to the civil fraud trial brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, Donald Trump’s credibility had already taken a big hit in the two lawsuits brought by E. Jean Carroll (“Carroll”), claiming sexual assault....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
It’s always seen in courtroom dramas—the smirking attorney who drives a witness into an emotional frenzy that leads to an admission of perjury, guilt, or confusion. The real experience is rarely as flamboyant as TV episodes...more
Before they swear to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” witnesses need to be prepared for the process and challenges of testifying in a trial, deposition, or other legal proceeding. How you...more
Rule 202 refers to the pre-suit deposition rule in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. This rule allows a person or party involved in a dispute to request deposition – sworn testimony recorded by a court reporter – to...more
Visual presentations have become the most effective communication tools for explaining complex stories to audiences. The heavy use of social media platforms has wired some modern viewers to become visual learners. When these...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 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
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. View the transcript here:...more
IMS Senior Jury Consulting Advisor Dr. Merrie Jo Pitera joins podcast host and IMS Client Services Advisor Adam Bloomberg to discuss the goals of witness preparation, what makes a witness credible, and how witnesses can...more
This post explains how to use deposition designations to your advantage for a smooth case planning and trial prep process. Testimony from a living, breathing person is always better than recorded testimony in any legal...more
As we begin to take stock of and conduct research on the effects on the pandemic adaptations, it is important to keep an essential principle in mind: The research on pandemic adaptations is not just about the pandemic...more
Witnesses, I’d like to have a word. You know the most important audience for your testimony — the jurors in the courtroom with you, or the future jury who might someday see a clip of your deposition? That audience is kind of...more
You have your witness on the stand in direct examination. You have finished laying out the positive story that you want to tell, but you have one more thing to do before handing that witness over to the other side...more
As you are putting on your case at trial, and you go to call your next witness, there’s always a reaction from the jury box. It’s an opportunity for fresh attention from them, but it is often a bit of a mystery...more