Archive

On Monday mornings at the outset of trial, there are many things that the lawyers and judge need to accomplish outside the hearing of the jury panel. Usually, much of this happens before the panel is seated in the courtroom. But often times, each potential juror is stuck with significant downtime while the lawyers and […]

I wait in the courtroom along with fifty other lawyers for the judge to call my case. I hear him say, “Plaintiff v. Big Box Store,” and make my way to the bench. Plaintiff’s lawyer isn’t here, so I inform the court I represent Big Box Store. Then the wheels came off. Judge: “Mr. Richter, […]

I’m not a fiction writer. For about a decade, I was, and in some ways, I still aspire to be. But for now I write on topics related to my industry and sometimes histories. I write what I believe to be truth. But in many ways, so does the fiction writer. And that is the […]

Over the last two years, David Graves has been one of the most prolific trial lawyers in Alabama. I’ve been involved in two or three trials with David and observed him employ his natural charisma and down-home affect to relate and connect with a jury. I’ve seen him have to wrangle clients and combat difficult […]

For some unknown reason, and much to his chagrin (I imagine), my dad is one of those poor, unfortunate souls who seems to receive a jury summons on a semi-regular basis. And being civic-minded, he responds and goes to the courthouse and sits on a jury panel each time. He has sat through as many […]

As a reminder of the purpose of this exercise, I have interviewed several lawyers with the same 8 questions about their theories and methods in approaching the most effective ways to voir dire a jury. Part 1 addresses goals, tactics, and effectiveness of a voir dire. This is Part 2, dealing with voir dire mistakes, […]

Voir dire is the process of taking a panel of prospective jurors to determine which are most fit to hear and decide your case. In my five years of litigation practice, I have seen that voir dire appears to be the most uncertain and widely variable aspect of a trial. When it’s good, an engaging lawyer […]

Lost went off air in 2010, so this may not be the most culturally relevant of comparisons. But I can’t think of any other show or movie that fumbled on the goal line quite so remarkably as Lost. I binge-watched the show after it had gone off air, so I had a truncated viewing experience. The […]

When your insurance client has assigned a case to you, they have an expectation that you are going to undertake certain courses of action with or without specific instructions. They are relying on you to handle the case in an efficient and effective manner. I have derived this list from talking points at a panel counsel session […]

I hate proofreading. Whether it’s an email, a pleading, or a journal article. Proofing is tedious and tiresome, and I have no patience for it. I understand the necessity of it, and firmly believe that good writing is in the editing and re-writing. Nevertheless, I find no joy in it. I received a stark reminder […]