In Episode 24 of May the Record Reflect, we’re joined by legendary American trial lawyer Dick Harpootlian. He takes a moment out from representing Alex Murdaugh to describe the roundabout way he entered law and became one of the nation’s top trial lawyers, discuss what it was like to work death penalty cases and prosecute an infamous mass murderer, and reveal advocacy tips that have always brought him luck.

Topics
3:28 The accidental lawyer
7:14 Winning . . . and losing
8:48 Introducing Pee Wee Gaskins
16:02 The life philosophy of a mass murderer
20:28 Dick’s tips on jury selection
25:18 Owning the courtroom and “the confidence to lose”
26:56 Bushido in the courtroom
28:36 High-profile cases and managing the media
32:39 Traditional media versus social media
33:42 The secret to deposing experts
35:33 Nerves and emotions
36:38 Pleasure reading and favorite shows
38:11 Murdaugh case on Netflix?
40:05 Volunteering for cases for trial experience

Quote
“Check your fly before you get up, gentlemen.” Dick Harpootlian

Recommended Resources
Dick Harpootlian (bio)
The ‘Murdaugh Murders’: What to Know About the South Carolina Mystery
Murdaugh attorney addresses “hysterical theories” in interview with Good Morning America
Pee Wee Gaskins
Lincoln’s Last Trial, by Dan Abrams (book)
The History of the Bushido Code: Principles of Samurai Culture
Fargo
Goliath