It has been a very busy time for all of us at McGill Law. From September through the end of 2022, my team will have completed 8 trials. While we strive for a fair settlement on behalf of all our clients, sometimes settlement efforts are not successful, and trial is necessary. In order to seek our client’s best possible outcome, trial preparation takes a tremendous amount of work for all - the attorney, assistants, and client. We offer some helpful tips herein in order to put your best case forward.
Check your emails daily.
We know our clients have other responsibilities including work, children, or other daily tasks that need to be completed. We understand that you have unique needs. If we know your needs and preferences, we will provide you with options to help you accomplish your goals while still clearly communicating. During trial preparations, it is especially important to have a clear line of communication because we will be sending you pleadings, trial letters, proposed orders, correspondence from the other attorney and other documents to review. Taking some time to check your emails at least once daily will help you and your McGill Law Team keep an open and effective line of communication to ensure efficient progress on your case.
Ask for clarification on timelines or tasks if you need it.
Oftentimes, the Court will provide a Trial Order which outlines the date and time of trial as well as deadlines you must meet prior to trial. For example, deadlines are given to exchange witness lists and exhibits, or file motions. Failure to meet these deadlines can result in the exclusion of evidence and testimony, potentially causing a significant hardship to your case. Your attorney wants to make sure they have the information necessary to provide a complete picture to the Court. At McGill Law, we will give our clients an earlier deadline so that all documents can be thoroughly reviewed, and updates and/or edits can be timely made a few days prior to submission. If you need more time or clarification, ask for it.
Stay organized.
Trials often require significant documentary evidence. Organizing these documents will help to streamline the process and cut down on your costs. Many people find utilizing an expansion file or file box helps with organization. Perhaps keeping a specific trial planner or digital calendar is also a good idea to track important dates. Some clients find setting aside specific time for trial preparation at least twice a week helps keep them and their legal team on track.
Be honest with your attorney.
To complete the tasks necessary to prepare for trial and meet deadlines, you must take ownership over your case. You know the facts and the evidence the best. Be sure to be transparent with your attorney. This means revealing all information whether you think it is relevant or not because we need the facts to adequately represent you. We would rather have more information than not enough.
Trial preparations can be incredibly overwhelming. Following these tips might help lighten that burden. At McGill Law, we strive to be the most prepared legal team in the room, and we can meet that goal with your help. As always, we are here for you.