News & Developments »

Second Circuit Affirms Limits on Extraterritorial RICO Jurisdiction

The court affirmed a decision dismissing a Venezuelan man's RICO suit against several Venezuelan government officials.

DOJ Urges Fourth Circuit to Reject Reporters' Privilege in All Criminal Investigations and Cases

The government is urging the Fourth Circuit to draw a distinction between civil cases (where the Fourth Circuit has previously recognized the existence of a First Amendment reporters' privilege) and criminal investigations and cases (where, according to the government, the privilege is inapplicable).

ABA Files Amicus Brief in Lawyer Immunity Appeal

The ABA recently commented on whether a private lawyer retained to work with government employees is entitled to qualified immunity.

Articles »

The Golden Rule in Closing Arguments: Is it Still a Rule?

By Anne-Marie Mitchell and Jay Gulotta

In most jurisdictions, it is still a rule that trial lawyers may not ask jurors to put themselves in the shoes of one of the parties.

Getting the Best Results from Opening Statements

By David T. Lopez

The opening statement is an opportunity to arouse jurors' interest, build rapport, and present the case in a manner that attracts sympathy and support.

Ethical Preparation of Witnesses for Deposition and Trial

By Erin C. Asborno

Attorneys must balance their duty to clients with their ethical obligations to the court.

Announcements

Come to the Section Annual Conference in Washington, DC 

We have a number of activities planned for the Section Annual Conference, April 18-20 at the JW Marriott in Washington. These include:

·         a committee business meeting on Wednesday, April 18th from 4 to 5 PM EST;
·         a committee dinner at a local restaurant on Wednesday, April 18th at 8:30 PM EST;
·         a committee networking lunch on Thursday, April 19th from 12:15 to 1:45 PM EST;
·         the Annual Committee Expo on Thursday, April 19th from 6 to 7 PM EST; and
·         four CLE programs sponsored by this committee.

At the Corporate Counsel CLE and Seminar held in Carlsbad, CA, in March, we had a very productive business meeting and a wildly successful committee dinner. To sign up for our next committee dinner in DC, please email Matt Dowd and let him know how many will be in your party.

Volunteer to Write for the Website or Journal

We are looking for articles on trial practice and trial skills to publish on the website and in the quarterly committee journal. If you are interested in contributing, please email Theresa House. 

Verdict: Fall 2011 Newsletter

The latest edition of Verdict, the Journal of the Trial Practice Committee, is now available.

Join Trial Practice on LinkedIn

The Trial Practice Committee is now on LinkedIn! Take advantage of the networking and information-sharing capabilities of LinkedIn, a leading social media site for professionals, by joining the Trial Practice's group.