Trial: Preparing for Trial (Federal)

Summary

This practice note discusses the key issues you should consider as you prepare for trial in a federal court litigation. Specifically, this note covers topics such as the timeline for your trial preparations; hiring a trial consultant; trial scheduling; developing a trial theme; creating a proof matrix; developing witness testimony, including issuing subpoenas, preparing deposition designations, preparing direct and cross-examination outlines, and preparing your witnesses to testify; preparing and exchanging pretrial disclosures, including witness lists, exhibit lists, motions in limine, proposed jury instructions and verdict forms, and proposed juror questionnaires; preparing opening and closing statements; organizing your trial materials; coordinating logistics; and planning for nonlegal trial needs.