The Jury Is Out

How can you be more persuasive with your clients, co-workers and in the courtroom? Hon. Mike Wolff, retired Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and former Dean of the Saint Louis University School of Law, joins John and Erich to focus on the powers of persuasion.  

Patents, trademarks and copyrights all apply to artistic creations such as music, art, written work and inventions, but how?  Intellectual property expert Yvette Liebesman explains the complex legal nuances of artistic rights protection.

Your experts are the foundation of your case. Preparing them properly helps ensure your key points are brought out in depo. Erica Slater of the Simon Law Firm joins John and Erich to discuss the challenges of selecting and preparing your expert for deposition.

John Simon and Erich Vieth are again joined by John Campbell to discuss Campbell's research on juror attitudes in the age of COVID-19.  How nervous are people about showing up to serve in person as jurors? Will their attitudes toward wearing masks affect their willingness to serve?   Have their attitudes about doctors changed to the extent that it would affect outcome on medical malpractice cases?...

To what extent are people willing to return to court to serve as jurors during the pandemic? John Simon and Erich Vieth discuss this topic with attorney and researcher John Campbell, who has conducted focus groups involving 1,500 jurors. Many, but not all, people are apprehensive about returning to jury service. This podcast explores juror attitudes regarding jury service, juror safety, and the ex...

Downloading a photo. Playing a cover at the coffee house. Your firm’s website.  Who owns what, and when can you use someone else’s work? Intellectual property expert Yvette Liebesman discusses the legal ramifications of IP that surround us every day.

Your written discovery request is the blueprint for what you need to prove in your case. But chances are, you won’t receive all that information without a fight.  John and Erich share tips on addressing objections, drafting interrogatories and successfully navigating the discovery process.

It sounds like a good case, but are you willing to bet your firm on it? John and Erich discuss case selection and highlight potential problems that are best to avoid early.

Lawyers may get a bad reputation, but where would we be without them? John and Erich review the many ways attorneys protect our rights, deter bad behavior and uphold the ethics of democracy.

Hon. Glenn Norton returns to discuss appellate practice. Speaking from his experience on the Missouri Court of Appeals and as a trial court judge, Judge Norton discusses appellate strategies that work and shares insights into what can send your appeal down the wrong path.  

It’s time for your client to tell their story to the jury, but will it be communicated in the most persuasive way possible?  John and Erich offer tips on helping your client project the best version of themselves in the courtroom and how to prepare them for testimony and cross examination. 

Your client’s deposition will make or break your case. John and Erich discuss strategies to prepare your client for depo and talk about the role you should play as their counselor during this important and stressful phase.

The opening statement is your introduction to the jury. John presents twelve specific tips for creating strong Opening Statement that can help your next case start off with a solid first impression.

Experts can make or break your case. How can you evaluate potential experts for your case more effectively? Trial attorney Erica Slater of The Simon Law Firm joins John and Erich to discuss expert evaluation strategies that might help avoid surprises in the depo, trial and invoice.

John and Erich offer more suggestions on how to help your client discuss the weak parts of their testimony, and how to prep your client so that they can be the best version of themselves when facing the jury and opposing counsel.

Ever had a client depo that didn’t go well? John and Erich share tips on preparing your client for deposition, building trust and confidence, and how you can manage the process for success.  

Successful firms don’t just take strong cases, they turn down weak ones. But how can you tell the difference in the first client meeting?  John and Erich share their experience on assessing potential clients and offer tips you can use to assist your decision-making process.

Considering mediation? Learn what works and what doesn’t from Hon. Glenn Norton, a former judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, who is now one of the most sought-after mediators in the Midwest.  His conversation with John and Erich could make your next mediation more successful.

You probably won’t win your case with an opening statement, but you can lose it there with a poor introduction.  John and Erich share tips on crafting an effective opening statement. Rule Number One: “Don’t be Boring.”

The jury will never be more interested in your case than at opening statement.  John discusses strategies effective trial lawyers use to seize this moment, communicate the case and earn trust.

Developing a strong client relationship is vital to succeeding in court and in your career. Trial attorneys John Simon and Erich Vieth introduce themselves and talk about building trust from the first client meeting to the courtroom.