The Trial Lawyer's Handbook

Holland & Knight Podcasts
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The Trial Lawyer's Handbook

The Trial Lawyer's Handbook is a Courtroom Preparation podcast series brought to you by Holland & Knight. This series is hosted by litigation attorney Dan Small and is based on a longstanding article series he co-authored with Judge Dennis Saylor for Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Listeners of this series will gain a fresh perspective on how attorneys can address various trial preparation issues and set themselves up for success in and out of the courtroom.

  1. Living Without Feedback

    NOV 19

    Living Without Feedback

    In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explores the importance of feedback for trial lawyers and the challenges they face in obtaining it. Mr. Small explains that trial attorneys often lack substantive feedback on their courtroom performance, which necessitates creative and proactive approaches to seek constructive criticism. He discusses various potential sources of feedback, including jurors, judges, clients and verdicts, highlighting their limitations and potential drawbacks.

    6 min
  2. Are Real Trials Just Like the Movies?

    NOV 12

    Are Real Trials Just Like the Movies?

    In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small analyzes the similarities and differences between real-life trials and ones portrayed in television and movies. Mr. Small pulls from his experience as a consultant for a legal TV show to illustrate that, although court proceedings on the big screen aren't always realistic, developing litigators can apply the storytelling, efficiency and visual strengths of Hollywood productions to their own cases.

    8 min
  3. Borrowing and the Art of Trial Advocacy

    NOV 5

    Borrowing and the Art of Trial Advocacy

    In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small emphasizes the value of observing other lawyers in action, highlighting trials as opportunities to witness persuasive skills and strategies firsthand. Mr. Small advocates for borrowing effective techniques from successful attorneys while stressing the importance of authenticity in court. He advises listeners to engage in discussions about observed practices and experiment with different styles to find their voice, but he cautions against blindly following trends without critical evaluation. Lastly, he encourages continuous learning from experienced lawyers, promoting a culture of shared knowledge and growth within the legal profession.

    6 min
  4. Trial Advocacy in the Modern World

    OCT 29

    Trial Advocacy in the Modern World

    In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explores three pivotal trends that have significantly impacted courtroom advocacy in recent years: the digital revolution, shortened attention spans and a lack of trial experience among attorneys. Mr. Small reflects on the increasing prevalence of these trends and underscores the need for attorneys to adapt their approach to effectively engage and communicate with jurors.

    9 min
  5. This Extraordinary Process Called "Trials"

    OCT 22

    This Extraordinary Process Called "Trials"

    In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses how to learn the intricate process of trials. He shares valuable advice for attorneys looking to improve their courtroom skills, including reading educational books, observing other professionals in action, seeking guidance from seasoned trial attorneys, honing skills outside the courtroom and gaining experience as an arbitrator or a judge.

    7 min
  6. Storytelling in Closing Arguments

    OCT 15

    Storytelling in Closing Arguments

    In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explores the vital role of storytelling in court cases, highlighting the need to construct, narrate and display a story effectively. He emphasizes the importance of establishing central themes for a case, customizing the narrative to suit the court and audience, and humanizing the case to make it relatable for a jury. Mr. Small also covers how to integrate motives, morality and justice into a story while utilizing visual tools to show it, including transcripts, videos, timelines, summaries and exhibits.

    8 min
  7. In Closing Arguments, Don't Forget to Ask

    OCT 8

    In Closing Arguments, Don't Forget to Ask

    In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses effective strategies for closing arguments in trials. Mr. Small emphasizes two key principles: not asking for more than necessary to win the case and clearly articulating what you want from the jury. He stresses not only the importance of clearly explaining the desired outcome but also how to avoid common pitfalls in closing arguments.

    6 min
  8. Getting Rid of Clutter in Closing Argument

    OCT 1

    Getting Rid of Clutter in Closing Argument

    In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small zeroes in on the enemies of impactful closing arguments: disorganization and verbal clutter. He critiques the common pitfall of overloading jurors with unnecessary words, demonstrating how a streamlined approach can significantly bolster an argument's clarity and force. Mr. Small advocates for concise language and ditching legalese to maintain juror engagement and effectively drive home key points.

    6 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Trial Lawyer's Handbook is a Courtroom Preparation podcast series brought to you by Holland & Knight. This series is hosted by litigation attorney Dan Small and is based on a longstanding article series he co-authored with Judge Dennis Saylor for Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Listeners of this series will gain a fresh perspective on how attorneys can address various trial preparation issues and set themselves up for success in and out of the courtroom.

Information

  • Channel
    Holland & Knight Podcasts
  • Creator
    Holland & Knight
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    62
  • Provider
    Holland & Knight LLP

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