NITA Publications

Trial Prep for the New Advocate

Bridge the gap between theory and practice with this practical guide. Offering tips, advice, and checklists, Trial Prep for the New Advocate gives new attorneys a comprehensive resource for handling case preparation. Understand the pretrial process from initially meeting and interviewing the client to creating a war room and trial notebook. Learn the essentials of preparing and presenting a case with a professional presence and efficient process. This book is divided into three parts--covering a substantive overview of pretrial and trial processes, practical skills for preparation, and advice for developing long-lasting professional relationships with staff, opposing counsel, and the courts. Each chapter includes:

•  Organizational tips
•  Trial prep checklists
•  Tips from experienced trial lawyers and others
•  Key terms
•  Practice exercises and problems

• >> TABLE OF CONTENTS
  CONTENTS
  
  Part I: Substantive Learning
  
  Chapter 1: Litigation Overview
  
  Chapter 2: Evidence Overview
  
  Part II: Practical Skills
  
  Chapter 3: Getting Started with a Case
  
  Chapter 4: Fact-gathering, Interviewing, and Investigation
  
  Chapter 5: Handling Pretrial and Settlement Matters
  
  Chapter 6: Preparing Pleadings
  
  Chapter 7: Conducting Discovery
  
  Chapter 8: Mastering E-Discovery
  
  Chapter 9: Exhibit Preparation, Management, and Coordination
  
  Chapter 10: Mastering Trial Technology
  
  Chapter 11: Creating Resources to Make Your Job Easier
  
  Chapter 12: Final Preparations for Trial
  
  Chapter 13: Trying Your Case
  
  Part III: Working Together
  
  Chapter 14: Working with Your Supervisors
  
  Chapter 15: Working with the Rest of the Firm
  
  Chapter 16: Working with Others
  
  Chapter 17: Handling the Heat
  
  Chapter 18: Presenting a Professional Image
  
  Chapter 19: A Primer on Ethics
  
  Index

• >> AUTHORS
  
  
  • Michael Coyne
    
    
    • Michael L. Coyne is a professor of law, trial lawyer, and the Associate Dean of the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover. He teaches Civil Procedure and Conflict Resolution, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, and trial skills. He is also the co-director of MSL's nationally recognized trial advocacy program. Mr. Coyne is the co-author of several books: Trial Prep for Paralegals: Effective Case Management and Support to Attorneys in Preparation for Trial (National Institute for Trial Advocacy, 2009); Bar Essay BootCamp; 1L BootCamp; Trial Prep for the New Advocate (National Institute for Trial Advocacy, 2011); the casebook Modern Procedural Remedies; and many articles for publication. Mr. Coyne lectured in bar review programs for many years.

  
  

  • Ursula Furi-Perry
    
    
    • Ursula Furi-Perry is the author of more than 300 published articles and nine books: 50 Legal Careers for Non-Lawyers (ABA Publishing, 2008); 50 Unique Legal Paths: Finding the Right Job (ABA Publishing, 008); Law School Revealed: Secrets, Opportunities, and Success! (Jist Publishing, 2009); Trial Prep for Paralegals (National Institute for Trial Advocacy, 2009); Bar Essay BootCamp; 1L BootCamp; Your First Year as a Lawyer Revealed (Jist Publishing, 2010); The Legal Assistant's Complete Desk Reference (ABA Publishing, 2010); and Trial Prep for the New Advocate (National Institute for Trial Advocacy, 2011.) She is the Director of Academic Support and Adjunct Professor at the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover, where she teaches Bar Essay Writing. She received her BA from Brandeis University and is a magna cum laude graduate of the Massachusetts School of Law, where she finished at the top of her class.