With over 27 years of experience in the King County Prosecutor’s office, Professor Clark has built a prominent career in legal education and practice. A nationally recognized lecturer and author,
Pretrial, Trial, Appellate & Evidence Blog Blogs
Latest from Pretrial, Trial, Appellate & Evidence Blog
The Right and Wrong Ways to Prepare a Witness for a Deposition
During a deposition, the trial lawyer mines for gems that can be put on display during cross-examination. Those precious stones among others include the deponent’s concessions that support the cross-examiner’s case theory, fabrications and self-destructive behavior. How you prepare your
5 STORYTELLING TIPS FOR A WINNING OPENING STATEMENT
Storytellers have techniques that they use to bring the story to life and make it persuasive, engaging, and interesting. These are techniques you can employ when crafting and delivering an opening statement. Here are five tips:1. Viewpoint To be
SOMETHING DIFFERENT: CHARLES M. RUSSELL LEGACIES
And now for something completely different. This blog and the books referenced in it are almost exclusively devoted to advocacy, the law, or related subjects (such as public speaking and management). Unlike those books, my just launched new book, Charles
The Best in Appellate Advocacy
Once again, it is time to feature appellate advocacy. The Appellate Prosecutor: A Practical and Inspirational Guide to Appellate Advocacy is a book for appellate advocates. Its nuts and bolts coverage of appellate strategies and techniques is valuable for any
Role Model for Trial Lawyers
As a former trial lawyer, an author of books about trial advocacy and a believer that Lincoln serves as a great role model for trial lawyers and aspiring trial lawyers, I’m recommending a couple books to you in case you
Mastering Trial Exhibits: A Comprehensive Guide
Exhibits not only clarify your case narrative but also significantly influence the jury’s understanding and retention of crucial information. Here’s a detailed guide to planning and effectively using exhibits during trial.Objectives of Using ExhibitsThe primary goal of introducing
LAUNCHED – NEW EVIDENCE IN PRACTICE BOOK: From the classroom to the courtroom
So proud that Aspen Publishing has just launched the second edition of our evidence book.
An essential go-to reference for law students, paralegals, and trial lawyers, Evidence in Practice: Skills and Strategies for Pretrial and Trial, with Practice Exercises,
Crafting an Effective Direct Examination of an Expert Witness
Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively structure direct examination to ensure your expert’s testimony resonates.1. Prepare ThoroughlyLegal Research: Your journey begins with a solid understanding of evidentiary law surrounding expert testimony. Dive into relevant case law
Biden’s Clemency Blitz: Why Commuting 37 Death Row Sentences was the Right Decision"
On December 23, 2024, President Biden commuted 37 federal death row sentences, leaving just three people facing the death sentence under federal law. Reaction by some was vehement. A Trump spokesperson calling it “abhorrent.” Biden did the right thing, and I