2019
Be Careful with Admissions
Michael R. Lied – May 21, 2019
Evidentiary admissions can diminish credibility if they need to be changed; judicial admissions may lock in the litigant to a position that may later prove to be undesirable.
How to Use Errata Sheets to Your Advantage
Helene Hechtkopf and Amory McAndrew – January 31, 2019
Courts are permitted to disregard an amendment from an errata sheet that “reflects a party’s attempt ‘to retrieve the situation by scratching out and recanting his original testimony.’”
2018
Caution: Even a Self-Serving Affidavit May Preclude Summary Judgment
Michael R. Lied – December 20, 2018
The fact that an affidavit may contain self-serving or uncorroborated statements does not prevent the affiant from raising a genuine issue of material fact.
A Guide to Using Documents at Trial for First-Time Trial Lawyers
Miriam J. Manber – December 14, 2018
How to avoid frantically shuffling through piles of paper while the jury is watching your every move.
How to Ask a Federal Court to Take Judicial Notice of State Court Proceedings
Kenneth Klemm – December 5, 2018
A judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently provided practical guidance on the scope of judicial notice under the Federal Rules of Evidence and how to invoke this concept in federal court.
Four Tips for Making a Successful Sealing Motion
By Dustin Grant – December 4, 2018
How to avoid some of the common pitfalls that befall attorneys moving to seal.
Tips from the Bench: Effective Closing Arguments
By Hon. Thomas E. Stevens – August 28, 2018
Insights about avoiding common mistakes and sound practices for lawyers in the courtroom.
New Rules for Self-Authenticating Electronic Evidence
By Andrew Toft – June 22, 2018
Federal Rules of Evidence 902(13) and (14) make it easier to authenticate electronic data.
Tips from the Bench: Objections
By Michelle L. Alamo with Hon. Sean F. Cox – May 7, 2018
An experienced trial judge to offers tips on when and how to object.
Tips from the Bench: Cross-Examination
By Benjamin L. Tompkins and Andrew Alexander with Hon. J. Thomas Marten – February 26, 2018
An experienced trial judge to offers tips on effective cross-examination.
2017
Tips from the Bench: Direct Exam
By Eric R. Harlan with Hon. J. Mark Coulson – December 18, 2017
The first part in a new series asking experienced trial judges to provide insight regarding certain aspects of trial.
Voices of Recovery Podcast Series
By ABA CoLAP – November 10, 2017
The ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs debuted the first of a series of podcasts that will address substance use disorders, mental health issues, addiction, and recovery issues. Episode 1 features attorney Laurie Besden, the Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, who shares her battles with alcohol and drug addiction.
Expert Witness Found Not Credible in Wrongful Death Suit
By Michael R. Lied – October 24, 2017
Appeals court will not second guess trial court’s credibility determinations.
"Cooked" Meeting Minutes Do Not Qualify as Business Records
By Michael R. Lied – May 15, 2017
A revenge tax filing results in a prison sentence—to nobody's surprise.
How, When, and When Not to Use Pattern Questions in Expert Depositions
By Robert H. Foster – January 27, 2017
Despite the expenses, the benefits generally outweigh the cost.
2016
Appeals Court: That Was Not Improper “Character” Evidence
By Michael R. Lied – October 9, 2016
A look at an excessive force case.
Summaries of Western Union and Moneygram Records Properly Admitted
By Michael R. Lied – June 5, 2016
Additional sources of corroboration can cure the hearsay problem that a third party’s involvement in creating a business record introduces.
Failure to Follow California Court's Order Results in Terminating Sanction
By Thomas Whiteside – May 20, 2016
A trial court has the inherent authority to control proceedings before it.
Hearsay Exception for Recorded Recollections: Pitfalls to Avoid
By Ryan W. Babcock – April 1, 2016
Lessons to learn from recent cases.