The Case on a Single Page
While in Atlanta for Auto Torts, in addition to my South Carolina buddies and meeting Atlanta friends Richard Jones and Mark Zamora, Gary Hill came out to join us. One of the great things about having a weblog is the people that you meet. Gary is considering starting his own blog, so I was able to con Gary into writing a guest post. Take it away Gary:
Being overwhelmed by a large case can be demoralizing. Reducing the entire case to a single page can add perspective and a sense of control.
Place a single sheet of paper in the landscape position and fold it in half and then in half again. There are now eight sections.
Name each section: PreTrial motions, Voir Dire, Opening Statement, Witnesses, Evidence, Charges, Closing Argument. List only what you need in each category to put up your case.
This exercise will often point to gaps in the case, suggest themes, or trigger changes in the presentation of the witnesses, evidence or argument. You can also keep this summary of the case in the inside pocket of your suit coat as a security blanket at trial.
What a great idea. A very simple way to reduce the case to it’s basics and make certain that you focus on what is important. Thanks for the guest post Gary.
