Preparing for Your First Trial

One of the most formidable tasks for new litigators is preparing for their first trial. In a recent book published by the American Bar Association, How to Succeed as a Trial Lawyer, attorney Stewart Edelstein provides useful insight into a wide range of issues facing litigators, from the first client meeting through appeal. In the excerpts below from the chapters Presenting an Effective Plaintiff's Case in the Courtroom and Presenting an Effective Defense in the Courtroom, Edelstein provides practice checklists that new litigators can use to prepare for their first trial.