I’m a younger attorney and have my first trial next week. Any words of advice?

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The most effective method I've found for closing arguments is asking the jury to put themselves in your client's shoes.

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Since 3 others “liked” it, I wasn’t certain lol. I didn’t want op to somehow think this was a good idea 😅

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So I watched my law partner have a jury trial in January. I passed the bar in October.

The jury has no fucking clue what you’re talking about. Make it dumb. Make it fun. Use analogies. Move around.

You’ll get a whooooole lot of leeway with them if they like you.

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Just take in the experience and enjoy it. You have a long career ahead of you and if this is what you wanna do, you’ll have plenty more trials, but you’ll only ever have your first trial once.

Also update us on the verdict🫡

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Short. Simple. Sweet.

Rules of threes (see above), structure your case, outline.

Prepare for direct with your client multiple times prior to trial, read through the deposition transcripts with them and while you prep for cross. Be an active listener too because clients can go off the rails. Use topic starters (I.e. turning your attention to DOA).

Know the rules of evidence and have caselaw with you for your objections as necessary.

For jurors use common sense and trust your gut. Break everything down and stick with whatever your theme is.

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Jurys usually make their mind up on Day 1. Focus on a good opening, have a consistent narrative, and get out ahead of your weak points and address them. Have fun!

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Whatever you do don’t say “ladies and gentlemen of the jury” in opening or closing, people hate how cliche it is.

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It's only OK if you stutter the fuck out of it like in my cousin vinny

Don’t screw up

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