American Bar Association Section of Litigation: Litigation Update: February 2008

HOT TOPICS

 
How to Discuss Damages at Trial–Without Getting Burned

Money is an awkward subject. But how and when you talk dollars and cents can make a big difference in the size of your verdict.


Subprime Mortgage Meltdown Spurs Wave of Litigation

The ripple effect of the subprime mortgage crisis has resulted in a wave of litigation that could engulf more and more parties.


What’s on Your Witness’s MySpace Page?

Research on MySpace, Facebook, and blogs is now a key part of trial preparation.



TIPS FROM THE TRENCHES

 
Ferreting Out the Lying Juror

The only way to identify unfavorable jurors is to learn as much as possible about each panel member.



SECOND CHAIR

 
Juror Tips Part 3: Understanding Cynical Jurors

Although cynical jurors view the world as flawed and unfair, they are rarely outraged and don’t necessarily care about what should be.



SIDEBAR

 
Any Advice for a Would-Be Blogger?

Blogging is a form of written publication, and any published writing can invoke a wide range of legal and practical issues, especially for lawyers.



PODCAST

 
A Few Do’s and Don’ts of Oral Argument

The ability to present outstanding oral arguments is vital to your success as a litigator.



LESSONS LEARNED

First Impressions Redux

As in-house counsel, I am charged with hiring outside counsel. Eight years out of law school and a female, I'm constantly dealing with having to prove myself. At a recent meeting, I was looking forward to hearing the presentation by a lead attorney who was female and, on paper, clearly knew her stuff. But, when she greeted me and shook my hand, she looked away dismissively and failed to make eye contact. They say people form assessments of you in the first 30 seconds. Her poor eye contact may have been unintentional, but all of my anticipation withered away, and I sat there distracted by the negative first impression she had made.


MORE FEATURES

 
Seven Habits of Ineffective Advocates in Mediation

Here are seven common pitfalls you should avoid when preparing for and conducting mediation.

» Read more from the Employment & Labor Relations Law Committee.


Blogging 101

Mark Herrmann and James Beck discuss their trials and tribulations in developing and maintaining their legal blog, Drug and Device Law Blog.

» Read more from the Mass Torts Litigation Committee.



INSIDE THE SECTION

 
2008 International Human Rights Award Nominations

Nominations are now being accepted (through March 7). The award honors and recognizes individuals who have made a special contribution in the area of human rights in a foreign jurisdiction. The winner will be announced at the ABA Annual Meeting in August.



 

CALENDAR

2008 Section of Litigation Annual Conferenece
 

BOOKSTORE

Discovery Problems and their Solutions

The Trial Lawyer: What It Takes To Win

Find out why thousands of lawyers (and more than a few non-lawyers) have read David Berg’s engaging and instructive guide to winning at trial. To appreciate Berg’s unique style, read a sample chapter of the book at the ABA Web store or listen to an excerpt, with David guiding you through the finer points of voir dire and thus improving your chances of winning at each step of trial.

 

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief
Send an emailMichael D. Yablonski

Associate Editors
Send an emailHon. Michael B. Hyman
Send an emailThomas A. Marrinson
Send an emailEffie D. Silva
Send an emailRichard T. Victoria
Send an emailRobin Page West
Send an emailDaniel S. Wittenberg

We welcome your comments

ABA SECTION OF LITIGATION

Managing Editor
Send an emailKevin Bailey
 
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ABA Section of Litigation