Kentucky Law Review

Trial Practice Tips: Outstanding Index to 7 years of trial practice tips found at The Trial Practice Tips Weblog of Evan Schaeffer

Need a mentor that doesn't ramble and tell you one war story after another like I do when asked a question?

Want to pick up some tips, tricks, and trivia?

Want them organized by subject?

Then here is a start. Evan Schaeffer has been sharing his trial practice tips, gems, and topics since 2004 with a lotta posts.  Here is an index he posted on 9/13/2011 that permits you to peruse by topic.

Thanks Evan. 

 

by Evan Schaeffer

Since I started this weblog in January, 2004, I've written 947 posts, enough material for a good-sized book. Most of these posts are assigned to one or more categories. You can get to these categories by clicking on the list that appears on the left side of the weblog. I've also listed the categories here, followed by the number of weblog posts that have been assigned to each:

Appeal 26
Books 31
Class Actions 26
Closing Argument 28
Courtroom Tech 31
Cross-Examination 44
Current Affairs 5
Damages 14
Depositions 157
Direct Examination 14
Discovery 88
Evidence 46
Experts 53
Instructions 10
Law Online 36
Legal Writing 61
Mediation/Arbitration 8
Miscellaneous 83
Motion Practice 37
Opening Statement 19
Pleadings 5
Requests for Admissions 10
Settlement 6
Trial Style 37
Voir Dire 36
Web/Tech 65
Weblogs 27

Thanks for reading the Trial Practice Tips Weblog.

And here is a post from June 11, 2010 as a teaser for those too lazy or busy to click and and follow the road to other links.

The Zen of Trial Practice

Here's a novel idea for lawyers from a new law blog, Seattle Zen Legal Blog: "Thou Shalt Not Be a Pompous Ass"--

As an attorney I work on treating all people with dignity and respect. This is the right thing to do. Sadly there are lawyers who are over impressed with themselves. These lawyers talk down to others or appear not to have time for the problems of little people. Well we never know who we are helping, and since we have chosen to be a lawyer, we have an obligation to help others when we are able.

The blog's author is Pat Trudell. On his blog, you can also read posts like "Beyond the Reptilian Brain" and "Personal Injury as Tragedy."

and yet another:

July 23, 2009

Your First Trial: Getting Up to Speed Quickly

At Ron Miller's law firm, Miller & Zois LLC, they're open to the idea of sharing their work product. The firm's "Sample Personal Injury Trial Materials" contains many real-life transcripts, in addition to forms and examples in these areas:

• Sample Voir Dire
• Opening Statements
• Direct Examinations
• Cross Examinations
• Jury Instructions

Since real-life examples provide one of the best ways to learn, the Miller & Zois webpage is worth a look.

Related posts:

1. Trial-Planning Steps to Take After a Deposition Has Ended

2. Learn from a Trial Transcript

3. Motivating Yourself for Trial: Start a Notebook Early

iPAD Tech Tip: Trial Pad 2.0 for your trial presentations

Post from the MacLitigator.  Although the iPad is an Apple product, it has gained use and support by Windoze users and Mac Daddies (and Mommies) alike.

The iPad is a useful trial device since it is light, does not require a cumbersome keyboard, uses BlueTooth technology, Airport, Apple TV, etc.

Here is one you may wish to check out.  Click on heading for entire post.  Price $89.00 at the App Store.

TrialPad 2.0 – BAMF

Our firm tried three cases in the last five weeks. MacLitigator has been too busy over the past two or so months to post anything. The last case finished with a jury verdict coming in after 9:30 p.m. yesterday evening. But, news that TrialPad 2.0 was in the App Store made me pop open the iPad for a look.

The short review. Wow.

Summary: TrialPad 2.0 offers the best parts of a full blown laptop/desktop trial presentation system in a simple-to-use package at a fraction of the cost.

Here are some earlier iPad Trial Pad posts at the Mac Litigator:

Exhibit A – iPad Trial Presentation App

TrialPad – Dedicated Presentation App for the iPad

JUDGES: Kentucky Judge David A. Tapp receives national Drug Court awar

Kentucky Judge David A. Tapp receives national Drug Court award

Judge Tapp, who serves as Drug Court judge for Lincoln, Pulaski and Rockcastle counties, received the All Rise award from the National Association of Drug Court Professionals during a star-studded conference in Washington.

ILB: Recent posts from the Indiana Law Blog of some interest to Kentuckians

Courts - More on "Reliability Of Eyewitness Testimony Under Scrutiny"

Courts - "GPS used to track fired NY state worker raises privacy issue"

Ind. Courts - "No-shows plague jury trials in Indiana, Kentucky"

Ind. Courts - Public Comments Being Accepted as Court Considers Possible Changes to the Senior Judge Program

Ind. Courts - "Ind. Judges Ban Court Employees' Facebook, Twitter Postings"

Courts - Bad news for public access to court documents

Courts - "Federal Judicial Conference Urges Restraint In Sealing Civil Cases"

Courts - "Stenographer sues Pa. lawyer over transcript claim"

Courts - "More bullying cases have parents turning to courts" [Updated]

Courts - "Court Case Asks if ‘Big Brother’ Is Spelled GPS"

LOCAL NEWS: Transportation Cabinet creates Web page for Sherman Minton detours

Transportation Cabinet creates Web page for Sherman Minton detours

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 16, 2011) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has created a Web page with interactive maps to help travelers navigate Interstate-64 during the closure of the Sherman Minton Bridge between Louisville and New Albany, Ind.

COA Args: Court of Appeals to hear challenge to Lexington noise ordinance Sept. 22 in Elizabethtown

Court of Appeals to hear challenge to Lexington noise ordinance Sept. 22 in Elizabethtown

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Kentucky Court of Appeals will hear a citizen’s challenge to the Lexington noise ordinance when the court convenes Thursday, Sept. 22, in Elizabethtown. Proceedings are open to the public and will take place at 1 p.m. EDT at the Hardin County Justice Center at 120 E. Dixie Ave.

Will McGinnis is appealing Fayette Circuit Court’s decision to let stand a citation he received for violating Lexington’s noise ordinance. McGinnis is representing himself in the appeal. He argues that the noise ordinance is vague, has no relationship to a nuisance to any residences and that it does not define the times and noise levels that constitute a violation.
 
A three-judge panel comprised of Court of Appeals Judges Donna L. Dixon, Joy A. Moore and Kelly Thompson will hear arguments in the case. Judge Thompson will preside.

 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 22, 2011

1 PM     2010-CA-000893    
              WILL MCGINNIS v COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

Summary: Pro se appellant appeals a violation of the Lexington Fayette County Urban Government noise ordinance, arguing that it is vague and has no relationship to a nuisance to any residences or definitions as to time or the level of noise that cause a nuisance. Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway and John Hayne II will represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Fayette County Circuit Court Judge Ernesto Scorsone presided in the original case.

BAD FAITH: Day on Torts Post addresses California case in which an insurance agent is held higher standard

Selling insurance is not just huffing and puffing but a promise of security and safety.

Why not, with such names as "Safeco", "Safe Auto", etc.

And such mottos and lines as "Good hands", "on your side", etc.

So when you buy the coverage, then you expect a certain amount of competence and professionalism.  Right? 

Of course, this might not apply to cost conscience internet only sales.

However, the post is noteworthy.  Thanks John Day.   Click on the heading for his remarks.

Click here for the full text of the decision at Google Scholar.

Insurance Agent: Professional or Salesperson?

The California Court of Appeals explored the issue of the responsibility of an insurance agent is the case of Williams v. Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Ins. Services of California, Inc., 177 Cal.App.4th 624, 98 Cal.Rptr.3d 910 (2nd Dist. 2009)

Other posts out there on this case from other blogs include:

Bragging About an Agent's Book of Business May Create a Greater ...

 

 

 

MAC MOMENTS: Tech tip for Canning Spam

Mac Power User David Sparks has the following post of benefit to us Mac Daddies on controlling our in box's spam:

Managing Spammy Friends

Spam is usually a simple problem for me. Somebody sends me a spammy e-mail and they get the honor of a special rule in Mail.app that looks something like this.

Basically, anything from that person goes straight to trash. Problem solved. SpamSieve also helps.

Click on heading above for his entire post

Other MacSparky posts include:

Mac Power Users 57: Power Text Editing

Mac Power Users Episode 57, Power Text Editing, is available for download. I’ve been looking at TextMate and BBEdit and wondering how they fit in a writing (as opposed to coding) workflow. We had Brett Terpstra join us and explored the question in detail. Get the episode over at 5by5. If you haven’t already, why not subscribe?

DIVORCE LAW JOURNAL: Family Law Decisions from COA on Sept 9 and 16, 2011

Two Published Opinions from Ky Court of Appeals September 16, 2011

Published Family Law from Court of Appeals September 9, 2011

LAWREADER: Two posts - one on Eric Deters and the other on Angela Ford

THE KBA ETHICS PROSECUTION AGAINST ERIC DETERS RESULTS IN FIFTEEN COUNTS BEING DISMISSED, AND 4 MINOR CHARGES SUSTAINED.

FEDERAL JUDGE RULES AGAINST ANGELA FORD AND ALLOWS U.S. ATTORNEY TO REVIEW ACCOUNTING K RE: HER HANDLING OF CLIENT FUNDS