Master the Rules. The single best thing you can do to master the rules of evidence and procedure is to keep a copy of them in your office and consult them
often.
Understand the Principles of Advocacy. Reading Dale Carnegie, Aristotle and other resources on the art and science of advocacy may help make you more persuasive
than your adversary.
Read History and Literature. Reading good literature will enhance not only your understanding of the human experience but also your command of language.
Obtain information about Specific Skills. To facilitate timely access to useful materials, create your own research files or notebooks. When you see something
that looks helpful, file it so that when you are assigned the task, you'll be able to find guidance immediately.
Watch Good Lawyers Perform. Even when you're not second chair, take advantage of opportunities to see good lawyers perform. Slip in the courtroom for only
a few minutes, and notice the different ways lawyers conduct voir dire or cross-examination.
Read About Great Lawyers. The lives and trials of Daniel Webster, Abraham Lincoln, Clarence Darrow, Edward Bennett Williams, and the like, provide material that
inspires while it enlightens.
Fraternize with Veteran Litigators. Most veteran litigators like to talk. They enjoy telling war stories and sharing techniques they've learned with
newcomers to the profession. Legal organizations provide opportunities for such exchanges.
Practice with Simulated Exercises. Develop your litigation skills through in-house or outside programs. Videotaping the performance will provide essential
feedback.
Just Do It. Irving Younger estimated that to become a reasonably good trial lawyer you need about 25 jury trials. Go where the trials are – for some that
may mean working in a prosecutor's office for a few years.
Solicit Feedback. A litigator acquires proficiency in advocacy skills with the assistance of critical feedback from seasoned lawyers. When asking for feedback,
focus on particular issues that you felt uncertain about.
Plan Your Progression. Create a personal development plan describing the steps to take for your professional progression. Create a checklist of all aspects of
trial practice so you can acquire experience in as many areas as possible.
Take the Initiative. Ask for more responsibilities. If the supervising partner thinks you're not ready, he'll let you know. More often, he will welcome the help
and you'll get some useful experience.
