Case Management Archives | Page 4 of 4

How to Voir Dire a Jury: Goals, Tactics, & Effectiveness (Part 1)

Apr 24, 2017

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 sets herself up for a good rapport with the jury. But when it's bad, the jury is bored, the judge is bored, and opposing counsel is smirking wickedly while chomping at the bit to make a more favorable impression on the potential jurors. I have...

Don’t Handle Your Case Like the Writers of the TV Show “Lost”

Apr 10, 2017

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 first few seasons were quite good. Seasons 4 and 5 got a little wonky. And by the conclusion of the finale in Season 6, I was like, "I'm sorry, wut?!?" Like the title suggests, if you handle your case in the same manner, it's going...

9 Things To Do after Being Assigned a Case

Jan 30, 2017

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 with one of my firm's insurance clients. What are nine things you should do after being assigned a case? 1. Establish prompt contact with the insured(s). You are the insured's conduit to the legal system. Once you've been assigned a case, the insured becomes your...

On the Importance of Proofreading, or How to Prevent Embarrassment

Dec 2, 2016

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 today of the importance of proofreading before sending something out into the wide world. Upon reviewing a motion in preparation for a hearing, I had informed the judge that "the burden then shits to the plaintiff." (Insert rosy cheeks emoji). Consider this a public service announcement that proofreading...

How to Write Like Stephen King, and Why You Should

Oct 26, 2016

As lawyers, our writing should be as compelling as our speaking. Stephen King offers five lessons that lawyers can incorporate to improve their writing.