Own the Record: Why Trial Attorneys Must Lead on Jury Instructions and Pretrial Statements
This article highlights the crucial role of instructions and pretrial statements in trial advocacy, emphasizing that effective litigation relies on not just courtroom arguments but meticulous document preparation. It explains that joint pretrial statements and well-drafted jury instructions deliver strategic advantages, safeguard the official court record, and signal professional competence that judges expect from experienced litigators.
When a Click Becomes Contact: Social Media Jury Research and the Alston & Bird Sanction
Examines how lawyers use social media in jury selection, the Alston & Bird LinkedIn sanction, and key ethical rules that limit online juror research.
Understanding Florida’s Private Trial Resolution Statute
Learn how Florida’s private trial resolution process offers a faster, efficient alternative to traditional court litigation for commercial, family, and civil disputes while preserving due process.
10 Things No One Told You About Being a Lawyer
Think you know what it’s really like to be a lawyer? Think again. Law school fills our heads with...
Preserving Crucial Testimony: The Role of Depositions De Bene Esse in Business Fraud and Ponzi Litigation
Discover how de bene esse depositions preserve crucial trial testimony in complex business fraud and Ponzi schemes. Explore their legal origins, federal and state recognition, and real-world case examples from Florida and beyond.
The Importance of Pattern Jury Instructions for New Attorneys
For attorneys early in their careers, mastering the fundamentals of litigation requires understanding not just substantive law, but...
The Strategic Value of a Business Succession Plan
In his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, leadership expert John C. Maxwell states, “A leader’s lasting...
Beyond the Tour Guide: The True Role of Local Counsel in High-Profile Litigation
Serving as local counsel in a high-profile case can at first seem like a supporting role, but reflection...
Key Strategies Attorneys Should Use for Evidentiary Hearings
Following two recent evidentiary hearings, I was reminded of the significant challenges attorneys face in evidentiary hearings, where...
Using Devices Like Plaud Note in Florida: What Businesses Need to Know About Eavesdropping Laws – Part II
In a recent post I identified how the use of recording devices like Plaud Note may run afoul...
NY Appellate Court Voids Half-Billion-Dollar Fraud Penalty in Trump Case, But Upholds Liability Finding
On August 21, 2025, New York’s Appellate Division, First Department, issued a landmark, split-decision in the civil fraud...
Using Devices Like Plaud Note in Florida: What Businesses Need to Know About Eavesdropping Laws – Part I
The rise of AI-powered note-taking devices—such as Plaud Note—has made it easier than ever to capture conversations, transcribe...