Civil Litigation,
Law Practice
Apr. 8, 2011
Professional Tools For Litigators: Opening Statements
If delivered well, opening statements can be key to convincing a jury.
James P. Gray
ADR Services Inc.Business and commercial contracts, real estate, construction, employment, PAGA, probate, legal malpractice
19000 MacArthur Blvd #550
Irvine , CA 92612
Phone: (949) 863-9800
Fax: (949) 863-9888
Email: jimpgray@sbcglobal.net
USC Law School
James is a retired judge of the Orange County Superior Court, a private mediator and arbitrator with ADR Services Inc., the author of "Wearing the Robe: the Art and Responsibilities of Judging in Today's Courts" (Square One Press, 2009), and the 2012 Libertarian candidate for vice president, along with Gov. Gary Johnson as the candidate for president.
Many attorneys, judges and legal commentators believe that, second only to issue of the credibility of witnesses, the opening statement is the most important aspect of the trial when it comes to convincing a jury. I share that belief. Skilled and artful attorneys will use an opening statement to tell the jury about what they anticipate the evidence at the trial will be, which means they will tell a story that allows the jurors to see the case through their client's eyes. Another approach...
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