"The Velvet Hammer" Blog — Karen Koehler

An ugly elevator

Hyatt at the Capital. Waiting for the elevator in running gear. Sunglasses on. Earbuds in but not turned on. There are four people standing waiting as well. Two besuited, Caucasian gray haired men and two coiffed women.

The elevator opens with one passenger, a dignified African American man already inside. In we go. Notice everyone is wearing badges that say: Family Research Council circled with the slogan Watchmen on the Wall. Have seen many people in the hotel with these badges. Some with pastors collars on. There are signs for the group everywhere.

Karen KoehlerMay 28, 2011traveling lawyer

Which Way

Am hob nobbing with senators, representatives, and their aides in the other Washington. Or rather, my friend Maria is talking to them and I periodically smile when they make eye contact. As the morning progresses, must admit. It is rather fatiguing - all this head shaking, hand shaking and smiling.

Karen KoehlerMay 26, 2011friends, traveling lawyer

Capital Mall

Take two right turns out of the hotel. My breath catches. Am facing the capital building. Smile hugely. Techno music on the ipod. The sun is shining and it is muggy. Negotiate the sidewalks and cross streets. Arrive at the Capital Mall.

Reminds me of the big track around the Tour d'Eiffel. The vast open spaces are great for running. Try to get lost but can’t because the monuments are everywhere. Like giant compass markers. The Washington Monument is the first one in line. It is tall, white, solid, symmetrical. Massively Pristine. Run around it, looking up but decide better keep eyes on the ground. Lots of ruts in the path.

Karen KoehlerMay 25, 2011traveling lawyer, running

Board retreating

Today am on my way to a WSAJ board retreat. In beautiful Suncadia - a relatively new resort that has somehow managed to weather the great recession. It is located on the other side of Snoqualmie pass. A two hour drive. Even with all the trucks and roadwork.

Karen KoehlerMay 24, 2011lawyer convention, traveling lawyer, wsaj

Social Networking Warning Letter Form for Clients

When plaintiffs file lawsuits, the defense insurance companies hunt them down on the internet like criminals.

The plaintiffs' fun, fellowship, and joy of connecting with others through Facebook and Twitter; is instantly smashed to pieces when they find out they are being spied on.

But many people don't know that their harmless wall posts, photos, and video clips, are being amassed into an arsenal to be used against them.

Karen KoehlerMay 18, 2011car accident, personal injury, obnoxious defense

Perpetuating* radiologists' depositions

Get up at 6:00 am. Have to drive back downtown before heading south. Need a plan "B" in case doctors don't have access to the radiology films. Get ready, feed and quickly walk Nala. Write note to let the girls know she's been fed. Wash bowl of raspberries. Get in car 6:30. Eat bowl of raspberries on the way. Get to office by 7:10, run in undo alarm. Grab computer discs, run out redo alarm. Back in car 7:15.

Karen KoehlerMay 17, 2011deposition, lawyer schedule

Judge talks about voir dire

I sent my voir dire booklet to all the judges in our state. Here is the email from one of them.

I just finished reading your SKWC “Voir Dire” article. It was excellent, I learned a lot. Although I believe the MacDonald’s case was from New Mexico and not California.

Karen KoehlerMay 12, 2011judge, voir dire, writing

Deposition of a State expert witness

This is my take on today's deposition of an expert engineer for the state. Actually this is way better than how the real witness performed.

click here. http://youtu.be/juZq059TH1U

Karen KoehlerMay 12, 2011deposition

Witness deposition timelines

When we study for tests, we make notes. When we prepare for oral argument, we write outlines. There’s something about thinking and writing that helps us better process and remember details.

In deposition, the accepted school of thought says – non-party witnesses should never write anything down when preparing for their testimony. There is no attorney-client relationship. So the notes will be discoverable by the other side. The defense lawyer will study them. The notes will be used against the witness and/or the plaintiff.

Karen KoehlerMay 2, 2011deposition

Judge pounds defense firm

We send out written questions allowed by court rules. We get back pages of objections from the defense. Pages and pages sometimes. This is not only irritating. It is frustrating. Because we tend to sue big corporations, insurance companies and sometimes the government. If they hide things, it makes it difficult to prove a case.

Karen KoehlerMay 2, 2011judge, obnoxious defense

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