Preparing for trial can be a nerve-wracking experience for a young attorney. Today’s episode offers tried and true tips on when to request a pretrial conference and what matters to discuss, how to organize depos and evidence for quick reference, which hard copies you should and should not bring to the courtroom, how to prepare and use an exhibit checklist and much more.

Your trial team determines you need an expert to explain a vehicle’s structural defects. Do you need a metallurgist, a mechanical engineer, or both? How do you know and where do you find them? Part Two of our conversation on selecting experts includes expert research services, questions to ask when interviewing experts, and how you should examine your own expert before they take the stand.

Don’t assume that an impressive CV from a prestigious university means you’ve found the perfect expert for your case. We think someone with down-to-earth communication skills and real-life experience may be a better choice. Tune in for our discussion of what to look for when hiring an expert witness, strategies to defend your expert’s testimony when your opponent presents multiple experts against you, and tips on expert prep so your best asset doesn’t become your worst nightmare.

Getting the documents your client requests is the primary reward of Sunshine Law litigation, but can you also be reimbursed for your time? In our final episode on Sunshine Laws, we discuss settlements, misconceptions about attorney/client privilege, and our personal observations that judges are becoming more eager to rule on these cases to ensure government entities are transparent and act to serve people, not politics.

You’ve made a timely request for public governmental records but all you get are excuses. Under the law, you have to prove the delay is knowing and purposeful. How do you prove it and whom do you sue? Find out in our in-depth conversation about handling violations of your state’s Sunshine Laws.

Do you know when and why a public governmental meeting can close its doors to you? What recourse do you have to find out what they are discussing out of the public presence? Part Two of our continuing discussion on Sunshine Laws addresses the laws covering attending and recording meetings, redactions to meeting minutes, deleted text messages, and ways to get around roadblocks designed to keep you from obtaining the records you have a right to see.

It’s one thing both sides can agree upon...government transparency is a good thing. But getting access to government information isn’t easy. In Part One of our in-depth discussion on Sunshine Laws, Attorneys Mark Pedroli and Joseph Martineau explain the basics of Sunshine Law and Freedom of Information Act requests and why they should be part of your discovery if your case involves a government entity.

You know depos and trial testimony will be different experiences, but does your client? Are they expecting something straight out of a legal drama TV series when they take the stand? Today’s encore episode offers tips on helping your client stay calm, cool, and collected on the stand and ways they can project the best version of themselves and their story in the courtroom.

The best way to increase your odds of winning is to turn down cases you will probably lose. What information should signal whether to lean in or walk away? And if you decide to take the case, what’s the first piece of advice you should give to your new client? In this encore episode, John and Erich share valuable experiences on evaluating potential clients and offer tips you can use to assist your decision-making process.

At a crossroads in your career, or just starting out, and wondering if you should choose plaintiff or defense work? Your level of risk aversion and emotional sensitivity may be key indicators to consider. Hear the pros and cons of both sides as we compare cases, clients, and billable hours with defense attorney Steve Strum.