Trial Magazine

When I think about all of the benefits I’ve attained as a member of AAJ over the last 25 years, what comes to mind the most are the skills I’ve gained to become not only a better trial lawyer, but a better pretrial lawyer. For me, an essential part of being dedicated to civil justice and representing my clients means spending the time to sharpen my skills so I can be the best litigator. Continuous learning and professional development are critical to that—and AAJ’s many resources and access to our talented and selfless attorneys gives litigators in all stages of their careers the opportunity to master new skills and hone existing ones.

In January, I visited with the faculty of AAJ’s Advanced Depositions College in New Orleans. For nearly two decades, attorneys and trial consultants have volunteered to serve as faculty on this annual program, putting in extensive preparation and onsite time leading workshops. They share new techniques for taking depositions that gather valuable information and lock witnesses into testimony.

I make sure every new attorney in my office has the chance to attend one of the many deposition colleges offered by AAJ Education and the National College of Advocacy. It’s valuable for each of my lawyers, and it’s also critical for the future and success of our firm to ensure they have the skills necessary to handle themselves in even the most difficult depositions. Consider attending or sending someone from your firm to one of the next deposition colleges, offered both in person (April 13–15 in Washington, D.C.) and virtually (Thursdays in June via Zoom). Visit www.justice.org/education or email education@justice.org for more information.

AAJ’s Sections and Litigation Groups are also indispensable when it comes to getting a leg up in cases. The Nursing Homes Litigation Group has taught me so much about sources for rules to use in my clients’ cases and where to find valuable data to show jurors why certain companies put profits before patients. Similarly, the Trucking Litigation Group list server and education programs give me additional tools to push negligent trucking companies to do the right thing for my clients and resolve cases fairly.

In this month’s Trial you will find more tips for handling cases, including best practices for virtual mediations (p. 34); staying ahead of deposition obstruction (p. 24); tax implications for settlements (p. 40); and establishing inclusive practices for LGBTQ clients (p. 48).

I also want to highlight an exclusive resource that AAJ produces only for members—litigation packets, which are road maps to handling cases, filled with real documents culled from our members’ actual cases. AAJ provides this information so other members can gain insights from successful cases and possibly take on a whole new area of litigation.

For example, the Crash Reconstruction Experts packet features strategies for motor vehicle and truck collision cases. It includes guidance on depositions and direct and cross-examination, sample motions, and tips on using demonstratives to help you get the most out of your experts and effectively cross-examining defense experts.

These packets are indispensable for imparting knowledge quickly. There are dozens of titles covering a broad range of litigation and topics, including an annual collection of opening statements and closing arguments from the top verdicts across the country. You can view all titles and search by topic at www.justice.org/litigationpackets. If you purchase one, all the information is electronically delivered.

The bottom line is that AAJ has unparalleled resources for trial lawyers to learn and hone our litigation skills. I hope you’ll dig into all that AAJ has to offer to strengthen your practice.

Tad Thomas is the founder and managing partner of Thomas Law Offices in Louisville, Ky., and can be reached at tad.thomas@justice.org.