Defense apologies at trial: Sorry, but that ship has sailed

A look at the elements of a real apology, and how to avoid a tactical apology at trial

Clifton N. Smoot

From Issue: 2017 May

Color by color, paint the jury a picture in opening

Watch the defense struggle when they realize from your opening that this trial is not “like every other routine slip and fall”

Keith Bruno

From Issue: 2020 October

Closing argument: now what?

In the end, a civil trial is about the money and you must ask for it

Victor George

From Issue: 2019 January

Civil litigation in a post-pandemic world

The “new normal” will be nothing like what we knew before 2020

Michelle Williams Court

From Issue: 2021 July

Being yourself at trial

“The bigger, overarching question is, do you play it safe – e.g., keep it simple, not go for home runs – or go big?”

Seth Rosenberg

From Issue: 2022 January

Avoiding unforced errors

In litigation, unforced errors can hurt you and your client

Mary Ann Murphy

From Issue: 2024 February

Dealing with the dark side

Some perspective from an auto-insurance adjuster turned plaintiff attorney

From Issue: 2021 June

Closing arguments: connecting the dots

You must tell your story in a way that conveys the emotional tone of the trial, keeps jurors interested and flows naturally through liability to asking for damages

Olivier Taillieu

From Issue: 2020 January

Closing argument in a personal-injury case

General principles that apply to all closing arguments in personal-injury cases

Mike Alder

From Issue: 2018 January

Case Management Conferences in the Los Angeles Superior Court’s unlimited jurisdiction independent calendar courts

How to make the CMC more effective for you, your client and the court

Elizabeth R. Feffer

From Issue: 2019 July

Being an effective second-chair trial counsel

A look at the responsibilities both before and during trial

Shant Karnikian

From Issue: 2020 January

Avoiding removal and obtaining remand

Keeping it in state court: An overview of removal jurisdiction

Robert Fisher
Kiley Grombacher

From Issue: 2020 March