Trial Tips

Attorney giving closing arguments

Five Considerations for an Effective Closing Argument

Closing Argument is the trial’s denouement. To be successful, it must be satisfying and persuasive to the jury. However, often, too often, it becomes a liability due to poor planning or execution. Your Closing Argument needs to be engaging, goal-oriented, honest, and delivered with passion and verve.

Attorney making their closing arguments

Checklist For Closing Argument

The following is a checklist to help you prepare and deliver a successful Closing Argument. In your first few trials, be sure to review this list until the items become familiar and habitual. 

The Development of a Trial Theme & Theory

By Hon. Lilys D. McCoy

“Theme” and “theory” are different but often confused concepts in legal cases. Learn the difference between these two, and why it takes both to win your case.

Four Easy Questions: Basic Foundation for the Admission of Evidence

By Hon. Lilys D. McCoy

Learn the four easy questions that form the basis for every type of foundational inquiry, and will help you get unstuck if you are having trouble laying foundation for a piece of evidence.

courtroom gavel

Five Ways to Complicate Character Evidence

By Hon. Lilys D. McCoy

We often make character evidence more confusing than it needs to be. Learn five shortcomings to avoid if you want to achieve clarity in your character evidence during your trial.

Witness testifying

How to Avoid That “One Question Too Many” on Cross-Examination Using Storytelling Principles – A Look at Andrew Stanton’s TED Talk

By Hon. Lilys D. McCoy

Learn how to craft a persuasive cross examination that also protects you from falling into the “one question too many” trap.

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