Here’s a copy (PDF) of the actual transcript of my $5,500,000 closing argument in a police misconduct wrongful death case…

Here’s a very simple thing you should do in every trial. Many lawyers just don’t get it!

In this video I share a great way use prior sworn deposition testimony to impeach the witness on cross. At the same time, I’m teaching the jury all about the significance of depositions. I’d like to know your thoughts so please share your comments!

They begin by introducing themselves to the jury and then proceed to explain what an opening statement is and how a trial works. They tell the jury that everything they say is not evidence.

Don’t do this.

There’s a better way. Rather than start with the above, I recommend you instead jump right into your client’s story. Take your jury back in time and in 2-3 minutes, share a snapshot of the facts with them described in the present tense and referencing sight, sound, taste, touch and/or smell. Use a powerful metaphor to compliment your case theme whenever possible.

Now, in all fairness, I need to disclose that I’m getting ready for back to back trials and shot this video rather quickly. In fact, I’m a bit embarrassed about how bad my “good” opening statement is. Despite these feelings, my partner convinced me that it makes the point I’m trying to emphasize and so here you go…

FYI, here’s a link to my “tap” and “transport” video I referenced above…

In this video I share a powerful technique (and two questions) that allow me to neutralize, and in some cases completely destroy—in a professional and polite way– the other party’s expert when this happens. The video is a tad long but if you “get it”, this approach can be a deal changer!

The two key cross-examination questions I’m talking about are disclosed about half-way through the video. I also share specific details and examples in the last one-third or so of the video. Make sure to watch the entire video!

Now please do me a favor, if you like the video and what I’m trying to do at this trial tips site, I’d sincerely appreciate it if you would please share this video blog site and links with other lawyers who you think might benefit from these trial tips. Emailing the link and sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Google Plus is a great way to spread the word!

Important Note: I don’t wear a purple jacket, light purple shirt and purple tie when trying cases (or any other time for that matter). The dark blue jacket, white shirt and light blue tie mysteriously changed colors during the video production editing. Just wanted to make sure you didn’t show up in court looking like the Joker in Batman’s “The Dark Knight”.

In closing, you argue the facts in a persuasive fashion to hammer home the case for your client.

The problem is, most lawyers don’t know how to go going the above in an effective fashion. Learn how to “Tap” and “Transport” and you’ll be well on your way to success!

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My friend, Craig Valentine, is the 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking. His home study course explaining exactly how to tell an effective story is one of the best I’ve seen. Click here to learn how to persuasively tell stories.

First of all I’d like to share a short (and soon to be obvious) disclaimer with you. I’m a trial lawyer. I’m not an actor nor do I sound or look like one. I’m also not a professional director or video producer. I’m just a lawyer trying to share his 26+ years of trial tips with others. I’m posting to Youtube because it’s the second most popular “search engine” on the internet and easy to use.

So I hope you find my videos useful. If you like what you see and hear, please share my video blog and links other other lawyers who you feel may find this information useful. I look forward to your comments and feedback so don’t be shy!

Now back to the purpose of this trial lawyer video tips blog…

I started this trial tips video blog because from what I hear and see each day, many well-meaning and hard working lawyers (and their clients) are not getting the trial results they’re looking for. They don’t know the “game changing” answer to this critically important question…

What’s the single most important “thing” you need to know and do to consistently win trials?

Look, any way you slice it or dice it, trying a case can be a nerve racking experience. Even a bit scary at times. I know because that’s the way I felt when I tried my first jury trial back in 1986.

Now for the good news. It doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, let’s “fast forward” 26 years. Today, when it comes to practicing law and helping clients, there’s nothing I enjoy more than answering ready for trial.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers and truly appreciate the fact that the experience of trying a case is different for everyone. Having said that, I have noticed and learned over the past two decades that there is definitely a right way to try your case and consistently get good results for your clients.

So, here’s my plan for 2012. In my free weekly videos, I’m going to show you exactly how I’ve been winning difficult cases for more than 26 years. I’m also going to reveal some of the best trial techniques I’ve observed other lawyers use to win big verdicts.

In return, all that I ask is that you share your comments and feedback with others.

If you have a particular point or trial technique you would like to share, please do so in the “comments” section of the video. Information is power if shared and acted upon. By sharing your comments, you’ll be empowering others. That’s what this this site is all about!

Make sure to get on my email update list using this link or the box to your right. In return, I promise not to waste your time and I’ll make sure to let you know when a new video comes out (usually each Monday morning). Also please “connect” and join me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google Plus! and Pinterest!

Now the answer to the above question.  The one common “secret’ all good trial lawyers share is that they’ve learned how to effectively be themselves and speak from the heart. Sure, much more is required to win your case but if you can master this one thing, you’ll be light years ahead of everyone else. FYI, I discuss this critically important issue, and more, in the above video.

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“…trial by jury…the only anchor ever yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution….”
Thomas Jefferson, letter to Tom Paine, 1789