Why Connecting with Jury Members is Crucial during Closing Arguments

As a litigator, sometimes it's easy to get lost in the legal minutiae that can dominate a trial. It's important to remember that, in the end, every case is about people. Cases are about the people who have been injured or killed, the people who are left to suffer as a result, and the people who are responsible for their suffering.

And they're about the people on the jury.

Skilled litigators use every opportunity to make an honest connection with members of the jury, including during closing arguments. That topic and many others will be the center of discussion when I visit Scottsdale, AZ, later this month for the Sidney T. Marable Advanced Trial Advocacy Conference.

I will discuss, among other topics, a recent trial in Arizona during which I represented Carrie Bachrach, whose son was killed in September 2008 when his car slammed into an overturned tractor-trailer on a highway in Ahwatukee. Earlier this year, that long-fought trial involving consortium claims concluded with the jury awarding the Bachrachs more than $13 million.

I look forward to joining a panel of esteemed lawyers to discuss the in-court communication strategies that were used during that and other trials. The conference, presented by the Arizona Association for Justice and the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association, will take place Oct. 26 and 27 at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort at 6333 N. Scottsdale Rd.

Also presenting will be trial consultant Rodney Jew of California, trial attorneys John F. Romano of Florida, Lance M. Sears of Colorado, and John E. Osborne, Arthur E. Lloyd and Karen L. Lugosi of Arizona. For information on attending the two-day conference, visit www.aztla.org.

Why Connecting with Jury Members is Crucial during Closing Arguments

Referrals & Co-Counsel

Involved in a Crash?

Referrals & Co-Counsel

Involved in a Crash?