finally going to trial for the first time in about two weeks! What are your trial necessities, for an out of town trial? Aside from the legal stuff I mean.
I’m generally a pretty prepared person, but having never been to trial, I’m sure there are things I won’t think of that can make all the difference 😬. Thanks I’m advance!!

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

I always have a section of my trial binder with scripts for seeking admission of various exhibits, anticipated objections (ie: hearsay) and responses to objections (rule xyz states this is not hearsay or rule abc states this is an exception to the hearsay rule. I usually go through all exhibits and have these sections for each exhibit.

like

This is great. Saving this tip for later.

like

Big sticky boards for writing themes and prepping with witnesses.
A printer for your hotel room if you don’t have access to an office.
Mini state rule book. The jury loves that stuff.
Easy trial day snacks.
I actually don’t love a coffee thermos at Counsel table. There’s a chance your jurors don’t get the same option. And I never want to look like I have something the jurors don’t have.
A three hole punch and extra binders to put your copies of admitted exhibits in.

Prior to AGC, I had 21 jury trials. My last one in august was two weeks out of town. Message me if you want to chat. It’s hard. But you’ve got this. And it is so much fun.

likeuplifting

Yes! I was going to say that because it's out of town, I recommend bringing a small printer, whatever chords you might need, sticky notes or something to easily pass notes between you and your team. An iron or steamer for your clothes. Lint roller.

like
Recent IconRecent

Not sure if your trial is in person. So! For what it's worth: Juries care about women's overall look, including: suit, stockings, and shoes. If you are using a notepad while reading your opening statement or with your witnesses, make sure it's not super close to the microphone area. Otherwise, the jury will get annoyed at the noise everytime you move through the pages. If your trial is a judge trial, then ignore. I was a federal clerk and juries say the darnest things after the trial is finished. Good luck! And may the odds be in ever in your favor.

like

I will quit the entire profession before I wear those leg prisons

funny

Also, once you get in town assume everyone you interact with is a possible juror. So, be polite to everyone, be well dressed at all times, and if it is a small town then assume they are all watching you when you are picking up your coffee at Starbucks.

Hold doors open, hold elevators, etc. but don’t talk about anything about court, being an attorney, or the trial with anyone.

If you go out to eat at lunch then assume everyone there will be listening and don’t discuss anything about the trial, court, etc. or anything of “ill humor.” If it’s a small town then I highly recommend not eating out and have lunch brought in somewhere (your hotel, an empty room available at the courthouse, etc.) because you do not want to spend your lunch in a fish bowl. It’s weird and awkward.

like

I absolutely agree with this. I once went out of my way to help a disabled gentleman pick up something he'd dropped in the court house. We exchanged no words other than thanks and your welcome. He ended up being on my panel.

like

Downy wrinkle release. You can spray it and rub wrinkles out. Great for if you don’t have time to iron or are sitting for long periods of time before heading into court.

like

Do NOT bring a single clickable pen with you. It will inevitably find its way into the courtroom.

funnylike

Pre-packaged snacks you can throw in your bag - granola bars, Fibre1 bars. I’ll add more as I think of it but that one stuck out to me during my first out of town trial 😅

like

Put deodorant in your purse to take to court with you. There are dress shields that stick to your dress or jacket on the inside of the arm holes (basically just like a maxi pad) to help further fight the sweat. It’s amazing how much you can sweat in a trial - particularly when you are new to it.

Stay hydrated and make sure you snack when you can. You may otherwise forget to eat and then realize too late that you are starving.

Take a notecard or two and write down everything you have to prove (or disprove), what evidence you intend to use to meet each thing, and then check off each item as you hit them in trial. Or, even better, have someone else check them as you go - or both of you check and compare your lists.

It is ok to pause and take a moment. I would typically say “judge, if I could have a moment to review my notes” before I passed a witness so I could make sure I hit everything I had planned to. This makes you look prepared rather than scattered.

This was what I was told by co-counsel at my first trial: “just get through it and we’ll worry about what happens after that once you’re done.”

Be in the moment and try to enjoy it if you can. It can be really fun sometimes if you can live in the moment of it.

Set two alarms to get up. Maybe have the front desk call you at a specified time. That way, if your phone alarm fails you have a back up. Bring at least one more suit than you think you will need.

Good luck!

like

On a practical note, retinol eyepatches for the mornings when you’ve had to stay up all night. Also, ibuprofen/pepto/Imodium just in case. Lots of dry shampoo, and earplugs for the hotel. Nothing worse than only have 3 hours to sleep and you can’t. I also bring a yoga mat to move a bit in the morning if I can to wake up…

Second monitor and mouse for the hotel (if you don’t have a war room).

like

Every once in a while, I find questions that I never thought to ask. This is one of them. Just hanging around to see responses 😊

like

My assistant has told me to always have a roll of quarters on hand.

like

Good point!

After reading the comments, I think your biggest issue is being a lawyer from out of town, whether its a jury or bench trial. Not in terms of your set up at the hotel, but your understanding of the culture of the court and community: do the judges like aggressive or more genteel lawyering; are pants suits shunned; will your accent, dress and mannerisms give away to the jury that you are not part of the community and, therefore, may not trust you as much as your opponent who I'm guessing is from the community. If you have time and budget, spend some time in the judge's courtroom while she is on the bench, preferably in trial or hearing, and get a sense of things. What are folks wearing. Let the clerk know who you are. Hang out in the cafeteria. And, most importantly, how long is it going to take to get your stuff through security.

like

Great point, and something I’d definitely be concerned with if it was anywhere else. Fortunately, this town is only 3 hours away from where I live now, I’ve been in this judges Court many times on other matters (she’s awesome btw), the locale is really close to where I grew up, and culturally nearly identical since it is also a border town.

like

My take on all of the back-and-forth about pantyhose, dress code, etc. is that the goal of your appearance should be to blend in - that is, bring as little attention to your appearance as possible. You want jurors focused on what you're saying, not what you look like. That being said, bring pre-packaged easy to eat snacks, extra pens (not the clicky kind), and a water bottle you don't have to screw the top off of (god forbid it fall off the table and roll across the floor). The scripted exhibit admissions/objections is a great idea too!

like

Coffee thermos with enough to get you thru the day if you need it. Can’t count on getting a break long enough to buy a cup. Extra cup for those that will want to lean on you for coffee when they didn’t plan ahead😀

like

* remember to check whether the courthouse allows plastic only, or metal containers

like

I have my first ever trial next week, and it is also out of town! Good luck to you and these are all great tips. I’m glad I came across this!

likeuplifting

So how did it go?!

High calorie/high fat snacks in case you get stuck somewhere without food for a long time ok. Good to have on hand for clients and witnesses too. Comfy sweats and other creature comforts for evenings. Good luck!

like

This! And mints. Lots of mints (you’ll be in close quarters whispering and also keeping quiet and getting bad cotton mouth lol).

There was a time I was assisting at trial where the judge went on a power trip and dismissed everyone for lunch…. Except the counsel/staff with them. We had to “sort out” our exhibits because one was out of place. Didn’t dismiss us at all once we finished 10 minutes later. We had to go a full opening day on granola/almonds, cliff bars, and caffeinated drinks. 😩

Also, make sure to eat a high protein breakfast. Worst thing to happen is you get the sleepy eyes from a big carb one.

Everyone else is on point with extra supplies, printer in your room, and being near a copy center. But food is your fuel and keeps you focused, so make sure you take plenty of snacks.

like

Cases of water for your hotel room during trial prep and to throw into your bag when you go to court. Vitamins. Stapler, extra staples, binder clips, lots of sticky tabs, hole punch, colored markers if you are drawing on an easel, colored highlighters, tape.

like

Wow so many awesome responses already! Thank you all - I’m fortunate to benefit from all of this wisdom 😀

like

Nice lounge clothes that you’re comfortable being around coworkers in for late night prep sessions in hotel rooms.

like

Have an extra suit in the car just in case.

like

Related Posts

How safe is it to visit the Grand Canyon as a solo female traveller? Thinking of booking a stay at the nearby hotel and using the Grand Canyon Railway to get to the park.

like

I am planning on spending 2 weeks in a country with no travel restrictions (Dominican Republic) and then fly to the US. Would I be able to enter the US with an H1-B visa without any issues?

like

I’m at a hotel bar getting a drink while I wait for my hookup. Now I understand why hookers hang out at hotel bars. There are so many fish here to fry.

funnylike

Sit down and the crew asks "Would you like water or champagne? Ah... Champagne, thank you!

That's the way to start your flight. ❤️

Post Photo
likefunny

Flight to LGA tomorrow, chances of cancellation?

like

Anyone gonna be in NYC on Halloween? I’m hosting a happy hour until 8pm. I don’t want to just hang out in my hotel after. What’s goin down?

Happy and proud to be one of Donald Trump's people as well! Bless him, bless us all, and may God bless the United States!

like
like

Hi all, I’m planning to take my first exam in NY. I’m hesitating to take it 1-2 days right before the day of my flight (going on PTO) is it risky ? I know some people got their seat cancelled by Prometric. What are your thoughts ? Thanks

like

How do you all meet people? I work 60 or more hours a week and travel around 70% of the year. I'm not really a tinder type person, but I'm about desperate enough to try anything these days.

like

I’ve been using an app & ovulation strips to track my cycle. TTC for the last 6 months.

NEXT STEP: my husband to do the semen analysis & I’ll go to a fertility specialist.

Does anyone recommend anything else in the beginning chapters of family planning?

It’s definitely stressful & we were supposed to go on our honey moon that got canceled this year, so it’s disappointing to not be able to travel this year as many have told us that’s when they were relaxed & successful. Thanks for any tips!

like

I just opened a Marriott/SPG points account, I don't need to worry about anything merger related do I?

like

Best carry on for travel in Europe? Will my travel pro still be allowed from a size perspective on the budget airlines? Also reading they don’t allow personal items?

I hate what Delta has done to the "shuttle" product by brining it to the main terminal at LGA. Screaming obnoxious children everywhere 👺

likeupliftinghelpful

If TCS Hyderabad offices are opening to work from office and I am assigned with Adibatla (of Hyderabad) location which is 30 away (4 hours travel everyday) from my own property, what are the options I will have to undo it..?
Note: I am new joinee and yet to get a project.
*Except the option of switching the job to other company*

like

If you gamble "heavily" and earn comps, and like to travel, check out URcomped. Site let's you upload comp offers and get similar comps at hotels and cruises. Very happy client here...

like

What are your top Excel ninja tricks? Ones that few people know...

like

I’m having my performance review tomorrow. Looked at my goals last year which was set before the pandemic really hit. Since it really affected business and travel I didn’t hit most of my goals. Plus I was really depressed (who wasn’t really) so I didn’t take much initiative. What’s a good way to navigate this...?

like

New York sarcasm is a local delicacy that doesn't travel well.

like

Was able to book 6 nights at the St Regis Maldives, Overwater Villa. 140K SPG points (so 420K New Marriott points)

like

More Posts

Let’s talk about historical places to get married in 2022. Somewhere that has meaning. Preferably in the US. Would love to be a part of something bigger, to feel connected to generations before me, on my wedding day. I was curious what suggestions people would come up with, have fun with it!

like

I hired a start up tech company for the company I currently work for and have for the past 10 years. I love my current company but the money and rate of growth I need isn’t there anymore. I could excel with this tech company, I think I would love it, I know I would rock it. Is it unethical to pursue a position with the tech company?

like

Any one knows about the Prodapt Solutions company???

Is a good company to join as experienced one??@

like

Research leads, how do you keep your team motivated?

like
like

What are your thoughts about a US privacy/cyber associate sitting for the Irish Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test? Practicing attorneys from CA, NY, and PA can sit for the test and become a certified foreign lawyer. Is there value to clients or a law firm? I can see both sides of it.

like

"There's no whining in baseball!", said very seriously and earnestly ..... to the office dog.

likefunny

Hi Fishes Need Ur help

Have recently joined LTI, and was presented with project having afternoon shift. Project was good but I’m not comfortable to work in shifts thus have rejected them politely.

Please help me how many project refusal we can have? Experience newjoinee

PS. already have got threats of rejecting the project will lead to consequences thus need ur help

like

For those working in manufacturing, do you use a selection assessment for hiring production employees? If yes, which assessment? Pros and cons? Do you believe they add value and improving your quality of hire?

like
like
like

Hi,

I joined EY GDS 3 months back . Now thinking about trying for Canada PR. If i get the PR, is it possible for a transfer to EY Canada?

Also anyone thinking about canada PR? I am trying to figure out about the process and if its worth it?

like

I have 11 years experience in TCS as Business analyst in payment cards/switch/banking domain and team lead of a cards product development team.Please let me know if any opportunities

like

Any recent H1 transfers or certified LCA’s for EY? I would like to know about the current timelines and success rate for LCA and H1B transfers in premium processing.

like

Can anyone give me review of appdynamics?

How much time pwc takes in releasing offer..my documents were submitted last Friday and also had hr discussion.. Today is wednesday but haven't received offer.

like

Do your firms have a billing code you use if you don’t get enough billable hours in the day? Like say you only billed 6 hours one day. What do I do about the other 2 hours?

like

Anyone willing to chat with a polite young man who’s looking to go into IB?

like

@ Industrial Designers: how would you honestly describe how your job reality matches what you thought it was? Also, would you say a related degree is crucial to getting work?

Context: 7 years experience in marketing, looking to retrain and pivot to industrial design. Looking for your takes on how much opportunity, growth, and job satisfaction you experience.

like

Does anyone else use OneNote? Been getting a bit overwhelmed recently and my lack of organization is starting to catch up with me. Trying to find better ways of taking, storing and organizing notes I take.

like

Additional Posts in Women in Law

Favorite go-to brands for summer blouses. Prefer button ups or simple blouses. Brand recs for the sweaty chic chick??

like

For the past 6+ months, I've been thinking of getting an LV neverful MM for work, but I was wondering if anyone has a Valentino rockstud or the YSL shopping tote? Is the neverfull the best option for work (and carryon travel)?

like

Does anybody find it helps to “get ready” in the mornings with wfh? I still want to be comfortable with athleisure, but I’m wondering if fixing my hair and maybe a little makeup will make a difference mentally. Feeling so burnt out and unmotivated lately.

like

Hugel sale on jcrew site if anyone is looking for some deals :) 70% off sale items with 3 or more items purchased. I went a little nuts!!!

like

Anyone know how to get expedited shipping on the Nordstrom website?

like

Has anyone used a surrogate? If yes, how did you find them and would you recommend the experience? I really want kids and have not yet started trying to have them naturally but the idea of pregnancy and birth are absolutely terrifying me. I’m sure everyone is nervous about it but my fear is getting bigger and bigger and I just turned 30 so I’m hearing my biological clock ticking.

like

Let’s talk about historical places to get married in 2022. Somewhere that has meaning. Preferably in the US. Would love to be a part of something bigger, to feel connected to generations before me, on my wedding day. I was curious what suggestions people would come up with, have fun with it!

like

For the married and/engaged ladies, did you have any pre-wedding jitters? I recently got engaged (yay!) and I have felt for a very long time that my partner truly is my soulmate. I don’t have any reservations or hang ups about marrying him, but the sole idea of a lifetime physically makes me anxious. I feel guilty having these feelings when I couldn’t be more certain about the decision to marry him. Can anyone else relate?

like

Any advice for getting your name out there as a junior attorney?

like

Recently transitioned to a private firm and am having difficulty getting used to billing. Any advice?

like

Fellow millennial lawyers: tell me, in general terms, 1 or 2 clients you acquired and how you acquired them. I feel like the suggested strategies for developing business are always the same: network, build your brand (hate this phrase), market yourself on LinkedIn, etc. Does any of this work? Seems to me to that most business development comes from long-standing contacts (e.g. your childhood best friend is now CEO and needs legal services), so I’m curious how other attorneys developed business.

like

Are there any gals here who are avid runners (26.2 /50k) that have hair extensions? I want them so badly but just don’t know if it’s workable as a runner. Would love some thoughts! Please don’t jump on me for this being a “non law” related post m’kay? 😘

like

Are office affairs common at your firm? I know of 4 married people currently cheating on their spouses with their colleagues right now 🤐😔

like

A senior associate in my group just found out her spouse has cancer. I am a first year, and she has been an amazing mentor to me since I started (and before when I was a summer associate). Any advice on how I should offer support? A card feels insignificant in light of the situation, but I'm sort of at a loss for how else to show I'm thinking of her and her family during this time.

like

I was fired last month after a short time at the company. I knew things weren't going well- it was a terrible culture fit & I was also planning my exit strategy. They wouldn't give me specific reasons other than to vaguely say it was performance related. I agree I made a few dumb mistakes (none of any dire consequence) but what kills me is that I tried really hard. I don't want to change careers but I have a deep seeded fear that no matter how hard I try, I will never be a "good attorney".

like

What are your home office must-haves? I want to spruce up my office and have a stipend from my firm to help with office furniture and tech. I already have dual monitors, a decent webcam, and a ring light. Would love to hear others’ suggestions!

like

Thoughts on lip color in the office? Lip stick, lip liner etc.

like

I’ve been asked to weigh in on how to improve my firms parental leave policy. It’s currently 8 weeks paid for birth parent with an extra week for each year at the firm (up to 12 weeks total) and 2 weeks paid for non-birth parent. I’m in a major city, firm is a boutique that has been around a very long time. What would you suggest? Any studies or research you’ve seen recently on trends in parental leave policies also helpful. I’d like to have some sort of data to back up what I recommend. TIA!

like

Moving to Los Angeles soon from the East coast. I’m interested in casual dating when time permits. Early to mid 20s. What would be a good location for my apartment with bars, clubs, other single people in close proximity that will also allow me to get to DTLA without too much of a hassle?

like

Question for a crowd with good negotiation skills...my sibling is marrying someone of a different faith. My mom is freaking out and doesn’t want to go to the wedding. How can I resolve this?

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal