The Barrister’s Toolbox

A Resource for Trial Advocacy

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  • Deposition Preparation Begins Long Before the Deposition

    An important aspect of your case is your client’s deposition. A case’s value turns on the credibility and likeability of your client. As a former insurance defense attorney, the most important aspect to the evaluation of a case’s value was the deposition of the Plaintiff. Oftentimes, insurance companies are reluctant to make any significant offers…

  • When is the “Truth” Wrong?

    When is the truth wrong? This issue comes up often during the course of a trial. A witness testifies to a fact which is contrary to your side of the case, or it contradicts other evidence. A question arises, is the witness being truthful? Why is he “lying”? The more important question to ask is:…

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  • iPad App doubles as a Trial Notebook

    I was looking for a program that could emulate the structure of my file system I use for jury trials. I looked at several programs that were touted as the answer for use on my new iPad 2 I received for my birthday. I looked at all the Apple App World had to offer to…

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  • The Silent Cross-Examination… When nothing is better.

    Nothing is more thrilling than conducting a good cross-examination of an adverse witness. The attorney through a series of leading questions wrangles  concessions and makes his own case through a line of short and concise rhetorical questions that lead to an undeniable conclusion in favor of one’s client.  However, there are times when no cross-examination is the best course of…

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  • Jury Selection-What’s the Goal?

    Of all the areas of trial work, this is probably the most difficult and important task that confronts a courtroom attorney. I have seen many different approaches used in questioning and selecting a jury. Your time is limited and the stakes are high. If you “guess’ incorrectly you can lose your case before it even…

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