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Top 10 Tips for Preparing for Trial

A few years ago, I was asked to present on the top 10 tips for preparing for trial. The tips I shared then are the same tips I’d share today. So I thought I’d make them available here and over time I’ll expand on them:

  1. Maintain competence;
  2. Evaluate your case (constantly);
  3. Prepare a checklist;
  4. Know the rules;
  5. Draft your jury charge;
  6. Prepare your hardest questions and hottest documents;
  7. Understand your trial technology;
  8. Know your judge, jury, or arbitrator;
  9. Estimate your time; and
  10. Avoid mistakes, surprises, and unforced errors.