Listening to my own voice used to pain me. I avoided it. Couldn't stand it. It seemed too high. Too sweet. And if I didn't remember to tuck my tongue in, there was a lisp. Oh, how much I yearned for a deep booming voice. So I could preach when I spoke. Like M.L.K.
Read MoreNumber 1: Ignore the defense.
We set the case up for disaster if we build it way up and ignore what the defense is going to do to it. This would be like a basketball coach only having the team practice offense.
Instead, the coach studies the next opponent. Maybe sends out a scout. Watches film. Devises strategies. Practices then implements them. Because sometimes, the best offense is a good defense.
Read MoreThe Today show has its annual best of the best contest. The top three dogs are competing for the grand prize. Doggie #1 pushes a mini shopping cart. Doggie #2 gets a can of beer for his buddy. And Doggie #3 - well, you just have to see what he can do. Oh, and yes, he is a Brittany. Just like Nala.
Read MorePlaintiffs are usually timid when the defense moves to strike their answers in deposition. They worry that they did something wrong. And they look to their attorneys for reassurance. A gentle smile usually serves that purpose well.
Read MoreThe thing about being a young associate is that you pretty much need to do what you're told.
During my late 20s, Tom Chambers was the boss. If he said Karen do it, I pretty much followed orders. Take this deposition. Argue that motion. Find an expert. Find a better expert. Tom's softly spoken non-negotiable instructions structured my time at Chambers Court.
Read MoreThis is a trial diary excerpt from 2011:
Four more witnesses testify – but only want to talk about one of them. The 38 year old daughter.
How do you turn a witness into someone a jury will connect with. Well, for starters you stop believing you have magical persuasive powers. Presenting a family member means getting out of the way so they can show their love. It means creating a safe place. It means embracing the human condition. Not in a data collecting, data spouting lawyerly way.
Read More
