Drexel Bradshaw Shares Trial Tips

PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 28, 2013

Drexel Bradshaw is a San Francisco-based attorney who is particularly interested in trial proceedings. As an experienced legal professional, Bradshaw understands that different judges have their own set of preferences and expectations when it comes to the presentation of a case; however, there are some best practices that lawyers can follow to allow them to best meet a judge's standards while effectively representing their client. Here, Bradshaw shares tips that judges have offered to assist attorneys in behaving professionally and effectively in court.

According to an article posted by Cogent Legal, it is important for attorneys to use Motions in Limine sparingly. The article explains: "All the judges [involved in The Recorder Roundtable: "From the Bench--Outstanding Trial Work"] agreed that one or two key Motions in Limine are much more effective than 30 boilerplate motions that are not even case-oriented. A judge can easily get lost in the forest of your motions and not see the key trees. Attorneys who meet and confer and remove any undisputed motions from judicial consideration make a great impression on the judge, who may well be more lenient as the trial proceeds because counsel are working together."

Additionally, the article offers the recommendation of keeping jury questionnaires as short as possible--as well as relevant to the case. Irrelevant questions may result in a survey being thrown out, and they can certainly make other legal professionals feel as though their time is being wasted.

The next tip is to keep opening statements in narrative form. The article explains: "Judge McGuiness stressed that an opening statement is really your chance to tell a story and not get weighed down in evidence. This is an opportunity to perhaps show or discus some key evidence, but the focus really should be on presenting the story of the case to make the jury care what the case is about."

The fourth tip that the article provides is to use graphics with caution. Animation is a powerful tool in terms of demonstrating evidence, but if it is used improperly it can be kept from the eyes of jury members.

Finally, the last tip that the article offers is to incorporate the verdict form into the closing argument. By showcasing how they want the verdict form to be completed, lawyers can bring their argument home in an effective manner.

Drexel Bradshaw believes that these are wonderful tips that will help attorneys to finely-tune their trial approach. Bradshaw encourages legal professionals to continually improve their professional skills with these and other tips to best serve their clients.

For more information about the legal representation provided by Drexel Bradshaw and the team at Bradshaw & Associates, P.C., visit www.bradshawassociates.com.

ABOUT:

Drexel Bradshaw of Bradshaw & Associates, P.C., is an attorney practicing in San Francisco, California. Through his firm, Bradshaw and his legal team offer support to clientele who are engaged in a wide range of cases. Over the past 13 years, Bradshaw has provided legal guidance and aggressive representation on behalf of his clients with regard to family law, business fraud, wills and trusts, tenant services, class action litigation, landlord services, unfair business practices, and estate planning. Bradshaw is especially interested in business and property litigation; however, no matter the nature of the case, he makes his clients a priority and his legal team provides the highest degree of service possible.