Heels In The Courtroom

Her house is bigger. He did an expert depo and you haven’t. She’s got four trials in the next two months and you only have one. Does it really matter? Will attaining that thing actually make you happy? And why do we compare ourselves to others and suck the joy out of our own accomplishments? Prepare to examine your own vulnerabilities as we discuss upward and downward comparisons, personal priorit...

Location, location, location. Strategic attorneys know where you file your lawsuit has a big impact. Today’s discussion covers important considerations such as damage caps, jury pool, and what to do if your case is removed from state to federal court. We also clarify some tricky details on multi-state filings, snap removals, and the pros and cons of hiring local counsel to assist.

Mediation poses unique challenges and isn’t always successful. In order to present your most persuasive case, what facts or documents should you prepare for the mediator? If you think the mediator is being biased, what can you do? And when the final offer is on the table and you’re not happy, should you stay or should you go? Get pro tips on preparing your client and your case for mediation in thi...

There are three key concepts to keep in mind during oral arguments. Do you know what they are? Should you hope for a hot bench or a cold bench? And what do you say if the judge asks a question you can’t answer? Find answers to these questions and more in part two of our instructive discussion on appeals and be more confident in front of the bench, whether it’s hot or cold. 

Are you thinking about appealing your case even before you go to court? You should. This episode explains how to preserve an error for the record, clarifies when a judgment is actually final, and outlines the major writs to remember. We’ll also review the basic rules of appeal because you can’t win if you don’t know the rules. And when it comes to appeals, rules rule.

It’s business, don’t take it personally.” How many times have you heard that, and how do you react? Is there a middle ground that allows tough skin and a tender heart? Today’s thought-provoking discussion examines how we can make business decisions with humanity in mind and draw boundaries that help us honestly evaluate harsh criticism or aggressive language from opposing counsel while protecting...

Opposing counsel's expert’s report raises doubts in your mind about scientific methodology or adherence to industry-standard practices….do you file a Daubert motion to seek to exclude the presentation of that expert’s testimony to the jury? You may not deal with Daubert motions every day, but they can play a key role in your case, so it’s worth a few minutes of your time to learn when to file a Da...

As a lawyer, you may think you are a good listener. But could you listen more effectively, and in turn, be heard more clearly? With tips from the Heels in the Courtroom trial attorneys and insights from Kate Murphy’s book, You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters, you can improve your listening skills. Better communication will advance your practice, enhance your relationships...

We all know the feeling…your heart starts racing, your stomach starts turning and your palms are getting sweaty…. This episode of Heels in the Courtroom focuses on how to reduce negative nervousness and turn apprehension into motivation. But if you’re still afraid you might sweat through your silk blouse, tune in for a surprising pro tip.

Mentorship isn’t just giving work advice to a younger attorney. It’s a professional and personal relationship built on trust and mutual respect that benefits the mentor and the mentee. And you shouldn’t stop with just one! Learn how to find mentors, why you’ll benefit from building multiple relationships at various levels of experience and how to ignite effective mentorships in your firm on today’...

Every case requires some legal research, and we don’t mean Google. This hard-skills episode focuses on pro tips like how to use Westlaw more efficiently, where to start your research and whether or not it’s a smart move to omit case law that could be detrimental to your position. Today’s strategies will help you hone your research skills and put you on a more solid foundation for your next case.

Did you know the average person makes over 35,000 conscious decisions every day? Decision fatigue is real but there are ways to cope. Today’s discussion examines asking for and evaluating advice, setting decision-making boundaries, and recognizing that every decision is really just a choice. Make the decision to check out this podcast, and you’ve got only 34,999 more decisions to go…..

When determining whether you can sue a hospital, municipality, or the federal government in wrongful death or personal injury litigation, it’s vital you understand the nuances of sovereign immunity. Many government entities and municipalities are exempt from certain types of lawsuits, but there are exceptions and limitations you need to know. Tune in for a better understanding of sovereign immunit...

Opposing counsel is hammering your client with irrelevant questions, an intimidating tone, and maybe even false evidence. Under this intense pressure, your client may take the bait and respond in a manner that could derail your case. What can you do? Today’s empowering discussion focuses on ways to protect your client and your case from rude and harassing intimidation tactics during deposition and...

How does it feel when you open your email and it’s addressed to “Gentlemen?” Have you been asked on the phone if you are an assistant just because you have a feminine voice? And why are women fifty percent of law school grads but still only 15% of the partners? Female attorneys have been practicing for over 100 years, but we are still grappling with issues of attire, attitude, and acceptance. Tune...

Even if you and your firm are completely above reproach, you could be sued. Your conduct may be scrutinized and every document you ever sent in a case may be discoverable. Are you prepared for that? This episode offers key insight into basic legal malpractice issues from being sued to handling a malpractice case for your firm.

Sloppy jury instructions can lead to appeal due to instructional error or confusion in deliberations, and nobody wants that. In this episode, you’ll learn about verdict directors, clean and dirty instructions, roving commissions, potential pitfalls, and resources to help you draft more concise instructions that help the jury come to a decision in your favor.

Directed verdicts are no longer just for the defense. Creative plaintiff attorneys are considering this approach in complex injury cases too. Tune in to hear about Megan’s recent case which resulted in two directed verdicts and learn how to use the record to reinforce your evidence and protect yourself from vulnerability on appeal.

In many med mal and trucking cases, it’s not always clear if an employer is liable for the actions of their employee. The issue of Agency is vital for knowing whom you can sue and what you can potentially recover for your client. Today’s podcast clarifies general issues of Agency and points out how recent changes in Missouri law severely limit the damages you and your client can recover from medic...

Ever said something in a meeting that is ignored when you say it, but suddenly becomes a great idea when repeated moments later by a male in the room? Are you passed over when solutions are being discussed, but at the top of the list when the work is dished out? If you often feel invisible, you are not alone. This episode covers subtle ways to be heard and acknowledged in your next meeting. Try ou...

As the new year approaches, you may be re-evaluating your priorities and searching for a better balance. This popular archive episode offers a few ideas that can help you restructure your day, reduce your stress and keep your batteries charged. Resolve to tune in and take charge of your day in a better way.

The phrase “Work-Life Balance” is considered inadmissible by the female trial attorneys at The Simon Law Firm. In an encore presentation of this popular episode, you’ll find out why Amy, Erica, Liz, and Mary refuse to accept this stressful mindset and offer tips that can help you release a little guilt and truly enjoy the holidaze.

The end of the year means parties, presents and perhaps a little bit of stress. Get back in the spirit of the season with this episode’s timely tips on trickle-down office gift-giving, professional party behavior, and a much-needed nudge to take time for a purposeful analysis of your goals and excuses for this year and next. And don’t forget your accountabilibuddy! Happy holidays from all of us at...

It’s a complicated trucking case involving the tragic death of a child. In the face of intimidation tactics and late nights at trial, you must set those issues aside and get it done for your client. Plaintiff attorney Erica Slater managed the complex dynamics of a spouse suing a spouse, last-minute revelations in discovery, and phantom vehicles, and received a significant verdict for her client to...

Do you do a statutory interpretation of board game rules at every family gathering? Does a trip to the grocery store involve observations about slip and fall potential? And how many liability lawsuits would you have filed over the Jurassic Park debacle? Laugh along with this spirited discussion about trying to turn off your lawyer brain…..and get solid advice on what to do if you can’t.