What You Didn't Learn in Law School about Trial Practice

Book excerpt: This book contains examples of effective and ineffective trial techniques that are seldom, if ever, taught in law schools. These examples are real, not hypothetical, and have been compiled from the author's experiences as: - A Navy JAG lawyer for three years; - A trial lawyer in practice for thirty years; and - A federal courtroom deputy for almost ten years. In this position, he was able to observe over eighty trials and contested hearings as a neutral observer and to discuss with jurors at the conclusion of trials to learn what they considered effective and ineffective trial techniques. MR. BRUESS graduated cum laude from both the University of Minnesota (1959) and the Indiana University School of Law (1963). From 1961-1962, he was a member of the Indiana Law Journal and was a Note Editor during the 1962-1963 school year. Upon graduation from law school, he was selected for membership in the Order of the Coif. Following the completion of Officer Candidate School, Mr. Bruess served as a legal officer with the Judge Advocate General Corps of the United States Navy from 1964-1967. From 1967-1997, Mr. Bruess was a trial lawyer with Barnes & Thornburg in Indianapolis, Indiana. From 1999-2008, he served as a courtroom deputy for the Honorable David F. Hamilton of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.