I spent 2016 figuring out how to approach this law blog. In 2017, I discovered what I wanted to say and to whom I wanted to say it. This thing has really started to take form, and I couldn’t be enjoying it more.

Before we look at the Top 10 Posts from 2017, I want to tell you there there are some new and interesting developments coming in 2018. I am going to start writing a monthly article for the ABA Journal. You can expect to see a few guests writers appear on the blog with the kind of content you’ve come to expect here — practical with an emphasis on helping you improve your practice. There’s one more thing, and it’s huge, but it has to wait … for now … but not for too much longer.

Top 10 Posts from 2017

10. When a Potential Juror Says, “Judge, I Have to Pee.”: Sometimes a potential juror can be a knucklehead, but rarely do you expect him to announce to the court, “Judge, I have to pee.” This is that story.

9. Objecting to Discovery Requests under the New FRCP 34: A look into the practical effects of objecting to discovery requests under FRCP 34, pursuant to the 2015 amendments to the federal discovery rules.

8. “Efficient Lawyers Starve to Death“: Do efficient lawyers starve to death? Are you better off maximizing the dollar on each individual case? Are there advantages to being an efficient advocate?

7. Legal Consequences of a Non-English Speaking Truck Driver: When a non-English speaking truck driver is involved in a collision, there may be consequences that extend beyond whether he was at fault for the accident. This post was part of a series called “Common FMCSA Compliance Problems“.

6. A Heavy Dose of Irony: Nearly Clobbered by a Tanker Truck: On my way home from a deposition for a car-wreck case, I was very nearly clobbered by a tanker truck, which would have been ironic and brutal. Please note, I find it kind of unsettling how many of y’all enjoyed the story of me nearly get smashed to bits.

5. Should Lawyers Use Google for Legal Research?: In many legal circles, traditional sources of legal research are the only acceptable sources of obtaining information. Using Google? How dare you?!

4. What Is a Party’s Duty to Supplement Discovery Responses?: A look at Federal and Alabama Rule of Civil Procedure 26(e) and a discussion of when a party has a duty to supplement discovery responses.

3. Beware Bogus Requests for Admission: The Rules of Civil Procedure allow parties to make Requests for Admission, but if they’re outside the scope of Rule 36, they may be bogus and if so, should draw an objection.

2. Review of “Back to Brooklyn,” Sequel to “My Cousin Vinny”: Larry Kelter’s Back to Brooklyn is the sequel to My Cousin Vinny, bringing us further along with the legal follies and triumphs of Mona Lisa Vito and Vincent Gambini. The post also contains an interview with the author.

1. It’s Time to Start Setting Goals for 2018: It’s time to implement effective techniques for setting goals in 2018, so that you will know how to define and measure your success in the upcoming year.

Most Popular Series. Alabama’s Anti-Miscegenation Statutes: This 7-part series addresses the laws that were in effect in Alabama from 1866 to 1967, preventing blacks and whites from intermarrying. More important than the laws themselves were the effects they had on Alabama’s resident who were prosecuted under these laws.

Thank you for a great 2017. I hope you enjoyed looking back at the Top 10 posts. 2018 is looking promising!

Photo by Krzysztof Pędrys.