Trial Evidence Series: Part One

This article is the first in a multi-part series on Trial Evidence by Tim Hallhan. I’ll focus on the rules of evidence as an advocacy process–how to use them to win your case. A thorough understanding of the key rules that apply over and over in trial and the purpose behind those rules is crucial […]

Abe Lincoln’s Thoughts on Lawyers

The ACBA is closed today in remembrance of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. One of our nation’s most famous lawyers, President Lincoln held a strong reverence for the law. From humble beginnings as a self-taught “prairie lawyer” in Illinois, to arguing before Congress against slavery and for economic modernization as President of the United States, Abraham […]

Trials and Tribulations: Tips from Judge Karnow

By: Tim Hallahan I recently read an excellent article titled Trials and Tribulations by Hon. Curtis Karnow who is currently hearing complex litigation cases in San Francisco Superior Court. Judge Karnow has taught at Yale, USF, Hastings and Stanford in addition to authoring many articles and book chapters and teaching judges for the Center for […]

Pre-trial Motions V: Dealing with Your Opponent and Concluding

By: Tim Hallahan This is the fifth in a series of articles on arguing pre-trial motions. DEALING WITH THE OPPONENT The best advice for dealing with your opponent is to be respectfully aloof.  Do not argue directly with opposing counsel or interrupt during her argument.  Don’t display personal anger or indignation, except during the occasional […]

Pre-Trial Motions IV: Dealing with Judges and Their Questions

Pre-Trial Motions IV: Dealing with Judges and Their Questions By: Tim Hallahan This is the fourth in a series of articles on arguing pre-trial motions. ANSWER THE QUESTION! The number-one complaint of most motion judges is that attorneys do not answer their questions directly. According to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eric E. Younger, this […]