Hi, it’s been a while since I’ve checked in. Most of my year has been consumed with finishing the final installment of my trilogy on divorce trial advocacy. That book, The Divorce Trial Manual Second Edition, is a comprehensive treatise on the art and science of divorce trial advocacy. Among other things, I cover:
How an initial client interview can set the tone for the entire case;
Procedures for organizing your case file and tips for managing the firehose of information received throughout the case;
How to manage difficult witnesses (and their lawyers), both during depositions and at trial;
Conducting a case analysis and converting it into the “story” of your case;
Presenting and defending against financial and custody experts;
Effective motion practice;
How to do an impactful “three minute” opening statement;
Strategies for conducting a more effective direct examination;
“Looking good” during cross;
Incorporating classical rhetoric into your arguments.
This book distills my lifetime of experience and leverages many of the principles I use to teach divorce lawyers at the ABA Family Law Trial Institute. I have been blessed to teach with (and learn from) some of the premier divorce lawyers in the country, and share the wisdom I have accumulated over the years.
I encourage any divorce lawyer, regardless of experience, to pick up a copy. I think it will help you become a better lawyer.
Revamping the Newsletter
In addition to periodic check-ins and updates about my activities, I am going to start a weekly post on trial advocacy principles. Most of these short posts are observations mined from my thinking and writing on the subject. I will also include insights from my regular reading on the subject. I hope you find the new format interesting and useful.
Comings and Goings
I just returned from giving a keynote address to the North Dakota Bar Association Family Law Section in Fargo. My presentation was entitled “The Tao of Divorce,” and I covered a lot of ground in the three hours I spoke. My topics included: how to conquer your fear in the courtroom, effective time management techniques for divorce lawyers, and principles of professionalism adopted from some of the great trial lawyers in America. I was honored by the North Dakotan’s graciousness and attentiveness.
Later this week I am off to the AAML annual meeting in Chicago. President-elect Mogerman honored me by naming me Vice Chair of the editorial board of the AAML Journal. I served on the board about ten years ago, and left to pursue other projects. I am thrilled to start working for that great periodical again.
Well that’s it for now. Keep learning, keep growing and stay positive. Look for my advocacy tips in your inbox starting next week. As always, stay in touch.