We recently had a tremendous jury trial verdict for one of our clients. Pre-suit, the defendants offered only $30,000. At trial, the verdict was over $840,000!
This verdict reflected work both inside and outside the courtroom – work that is largely invisible even to our clients. In order to present evidence for trial, lawyers have been preparing for months or even years. As you might expect, that work is nothing like the 3 minute montage of trial preparation seen on television shows. Here’s a sample of the many things a good litigator does to prepare for trial:
Jury questions are prepared – what do we need to know to find good jurors for our case? What questions should we ask? What could bias a juror for or against our client?
The lawyers decide which witnesses to call – who will give the best information? Who is necessary to paint a full picture of the event? Who can explain the client’s injuries?
Once the witnesses for trial are decided upon, their testimony must be prepared. The lawyer will make outlines of the questions to be asked and the likely cross examination topics. They may meet with the witnesses. Exhibits must be prepared, both in paper form (for the court) and electronic form (to show the jury).
The client must prepare his/her testimony – how will they tell their story to the jury? What information is key to both the law and the facts of the case? What is the best way to prepare that evidence?
Opening statements are drafted, and revised, and revised again. They are practiced – in front of a mirror, in front of family members, in front of the family pet.
Final motions are worked on for the myriad issues that arise during trial preparation. “Pocket Briefs” (briefs for issues that might arise during trial) are drafted and file.
The court room is set up – projectors, computers, screens, blow-ups, easels, supplies, and so on.
All of this work is part and parcel of what your lawyer does in preparing a case for trial. We are proud of our willingness and abilities to try cases at Jacobs Injury Law, S.C. If you need a lawyer, please give us a call.
