We will respond to your questions and concerns promptly
If we are retained to represent you, you can count on us to keep your case moving, keep you advised of developments in your case, return phone calls, track and meet all deadlines, and do our best to get you the best possible result. We know that the last thing you need is a lawyer who procrastinates and doesn’t return phone calls.
We will keep you informed about the progress of your case
As we work on your case, we will keep you informed of our assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and the choices and possibilities that face you as you move through the process, and whether it makes sense to settle your case or go to trial.
We will prepare your case for trial
We know that the last thing you need is a lawyer who isn’t ready to go to trial. When a lawyer is well prepared for trial, it creates leverage to get the case settled. If it doesn’t settle, we will be prepared to take your case to trial.
What does it take to prepare your case for trial?
1 Investigation
The first step is to obtain all relevant medical records and medical history, employment records, and income statements. We may hire an investigator to photograph the scene of the accident or the damage to the vehicles involved in the wreck. An important part of any investigation also involves locating and interviewing witnesses including friends and family who may support your claims.
2 Experts
Most cases depend on the testimony of good quality experts. We will either work with your doctors to testify at trial, or if necessary we will hire medical experts to testify about the medical issues in your case. Preparation for trial may also require hiring engineers to testify about the mechanics of the events and who is at fault. It may also be necessary to hire vocational experts and economists or forensic accountants to substantiate economic losses.
3 Discovery
Both sides prepare and exchange written requests for information. We will assist you in preparing answers to these questions. Depositions (interviews under oath) are also a necessary step in preparation, including the defendant, and the defendant’s experts.
4 Responding to Motions
Most cases depend on the testimony of good quality experts. We will either work with your doctors to testify at trial, or if necessary we will hire medical experts to testify about the medical issues in your case. Preparation for trial may also require hiring engineers to testify about the mechanics of the events and who is at fault. It may also be necessary to hire vocational experts and economists or forensic accountants to substantiate economic losses.
5 Trial Skills
Lawyers who are ready for trial have spent a lifetime working on trial skills, including working with clients to tell their story, and being prepared to cross examine the other side’s expert witnesses. Lawyers who are ready for trial keep up on the latest developments in jury persuasion, and continue to work on trial skills at every opportunity.
I’ve been trying cases since 1986, and I’ve completed training with Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, centered in Dubois, Wyoming at Thunderhead Ranch, and the National Institute for Advocacy (NITA). I continue to work on my skills in a study group associated with the Trial Lawyers College in Denver.
