The Different Ways Lawyers Prepare Notes For Trial (Podcast)

In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explains why trial lawyers should always prepare notes before a case. Mr. Small doubles down on the important role notes play in a successful case and analyzes the different approaches to notes, from the no-notes path to a full script. In the end, he emphasizes that "winging it" is not an effective choice and spontaneity is only possible through careful preparation.

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Podcast Transcript

It should be obvious that, to try a case properly, you can't just make it up as you go along. "Winging it" is too often a recipe for disaster. The reality is that spontaneity is only possible with careful preparation. It also should be obvious that you can't possibly carry around in your head everything you need to know.