What It Takes to Be A Great Trial Lawyer - Part 7
Great Trial Lawyers Learn the Facts.
I was in a deposition several months ago in a case that involves an intersection wreck. There are several different plaintiffs represented by several different lawyers, several defendants, and counsel for a UM carrier.
My conversation with one of the lawyers caused me to wonder to ask if he had ever been to the intersection where the wreck occurred. I asked him if he had. He had not.
The intersection is less than five miles from his office.
Great trial lawyers understand that the devil in is the details. Great trial lawyers know that all of the facts will not be presented at trial, but great trial lawyers learn the facts and determine which facts will be presented at trial.
Great trial lawyers know that it is important to get a feel for the scene of an event. Sometimes that means traveling to an intersection, visiting an operating room, or standing in a ditch along the interstate. It may mean going to the scene of a hotel rape or visiting the plant where your client’s limb was amputated. It means taking the time learn.
Great trial lawyers don’t need to look at every piece of paper in a commercial case – that task can be delegated to other competent people. But great trial lawyers know the key documents inside out.
Can't believe someone else is saying this, I thought I was alone.
I tell young lawyers, if they don't hear anything else I say, hear this-
If you try a jury trial without going to the scene and walking through it with the witnesses you are incompetent.
Every time I go to the accident scene I learn somethig. The best time is before the depos. I take the client if possible & it helps them get prepared for their depo.& helps me get prepared. Also meeting the investigating officer @ the scene is really a good idea. David High