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Home  >  Legal  >  Research Legal Advice  >  How do I Prepare for Trial?
Clifford M. Miller

How do I Prepare for Trial?

Written by: Clifford M. Miller

Contributor Level 12
Posted about 2 years ago. 1 helpful vote, 0 comments
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1

Meet with your lawyer

Find out what the issues are, who the witnesses will be and what the important documents are.

2

Review all previous testimony

These could be deposition transcripts, interrogatories, informal witness statements. Not just your statements -- review everyone's.

3

Familiarize yourself with the important exhibits

You do not have to be as familiar with them as your lawyer, but you should know what will be going into evidence.

4

Sit in on a trial

They are open to the public. So, pick one similar to yours. That is a jury trial if you have a jury, bench trial if you do not. Commercial, personal injury, criminal -- try to get one close. You might try to get one in which the opposing lawyer is an advocate. You might try to get one in front of the same judge. Sitting in on a trial will help to put you at ease.

5

Set aside enough time for the trial

You may not have much advance warning of the scheduling of the trial. Give as much notice as possible to whomever you need to tell -- spouse, boss, children, pet-sitter, etc.

6

Think about settlement

I mean realistically. Settlement is up to you, not your lawyer. there are almost always settlement overtures made at trial. Be ready.

7

Make sure you have nice clothes for trial

This may be more important than it first seems. Some jurors will judge you on your appearance. For men, this means a suit, shirt and tie. For women, this means a conservative suit, dress, or similar wear. Nothing overtly sexual. No flashy jewelry, no loud colors. Nothing garish. Think of what you would wear to go to a funeral.


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