Top 30 Trial Tips from the Courtroom Trenches

After years of trying cases in courtrooms across Georgia, I’ve learned a thing or two (or thirty) about what makes a trial run smoothly and what doesn’t. Whether you’re a first-chair trial lawyer or supporting your team from the benches, preparation is everything. Here are 30 tips I swear by when heading into trial:

Logistics & Prep

1. Reserve a conference room at the courthouse. Bonus points if it locks. You’ll thank yourself when your exhibits and team are steps away.
2. Order lunch in advance. Don’t waste time searching for food mid-trial.
3. Start your day with a protein shake and water. No food is allowed in the courtroom, and you need to stay sharp.
4. Bring backup comfy shoes. Those courthouse hallways are long, and limping in front of the jury is not the move.

Evidence & Strategy

5. Organize by witness. Use labeled file folders with outlines and exhibits grouped together.
6. Enter multiple exhibits at once. Save the jury from death by foundation.
7. Video your trial. File a Rule 22 and bring a videographer. Reviewing footage is gold for future trials and closing prep.
8. Keep damages witnesses brief. Everyone should bring something new but keep it short.
9. Get clear depo admissions. A solid cross starts with a well-pinned-down depo.
10. Prep your witnesses. They should walk in knowing exactly what to expect.

Execution in the Courtroom

11. Know your impeachment material. Page and line. Ask the same question as in depo.
12. Plan your evidence entry. Know the who, how, and backup plan if it doesn’t come in.
13. Bring snacks. Emergencies happen. A protein bar goes a long way.
14. Have appellate counsel on deck. Someone needs to argue the law while you manage the case.
15. Use a trial tech. Tech problems are not your job mid-cross.
16. Know your spot. Plaintiffs sit closest to the jury. Trial tech sits right behind.
17. Play to strengths. Split duties and let everyone do what they do best.
18. Print case law. Don’t just cite it. Hand it to the judge.
19. Bring visual models. Especially for complex cases. Think anatomy, timelines, maps.
20. Use flip charts. Write down key answers in real time. It sticks.

Jury, Presentation & People

21. Pick multiple alternates. Life happens.
22. Use PowerPoint strategically. Clean, visual, and on message.
23. Print large boards. FedEx is your friend.
24. Plan your outfits. Steam, prep, and get them ready before trial week.
25. Bring sealed depo transcripts. Needed for impeachment.
26. Know the bathroom locations. Trust me.
27. Bring the right client. If you can picture the jury hugging your client after the verdict, you’re in good shape.
28. Detach from the verdict. All you can control is your courtroom effort.
29. Protect your team. Don’t tear each other apart over every strategic decision.
30. Trust the jury. They’ve heard the story. Let them do what they were called to do.

Final Thought:

Every trial is different, but preparation is the great equalizer. This is what I do to show up ready and to make sure my client gets everything I’ve got.