McLain Offers Advice on Preparing a Winning Opening Statement in The Daily Journal Byline
19 February 2020
Daily Journal
Partner Byron McLain published “Top 10 Tips for Preparing and Presenting Your Opening Statement at Trial” in the Daily Journal.
According to McLain, as lawyers deliver their opening statements, they should always feel that every trial is winnable. And winning begins with preparation and presentation of opening statements.
McLain’s tips for preparing a winning opening statement include:
- Outline your statement
- Recite your opening statement multiple times alone
- Show confidence in what you are saying
- Recite your opening statement to someone who is NOT a lawyer
- Avoid reading your opening statement
- Provide visuals in your opening statements
- Outline for the jury where you are going
- Trust the jury with your bad facts
- Explain why a decision for your client is right
- Ask for what you want
Before joining Foley, McLain served as the Health Care Fraud Coordinator in the Major Frauds Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. He is a member of Foley’s Government Enforcement Defense & Investigations Practice and works closely with the firm’s Health Care, Cannabis and Sports & Entertainment Industry Teams.
People
Related News
27 August 2024
In the News
Samuel Goldstick Assesses Data Privacy Challenges for Automakers
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Samuel Goldstick underscored how disclosure can help automakers reduce legal risk in the Automotive Dive article, "Automakers face growing data privacy challenges, experts say."
26 August 2024
In the News
Judith Waltz Quoted on Inflation Reduction Act, Pharma Impact
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Judith Waltz is quoted in the PharmaVoice article, "Pharmas’ IRA court losses mount. They keep pursuing them."
20 August 2024
In the News
Kevin Hyde Featured in Q&A on Jacksonville Legal Market – 'The outlook is good'
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Kevin Hyde is featured in a Capital Analytics Associates Q&A on the major achievements of Foley's Jacksonville office, key trends in the legal market, and the firm's commitment to its talent and client service.