bLAWgger Trial Advocacy blog
Key Updates to the California Rules of Evidence in 2024 and 2025
Posted by Joe Bodiford on
The California Rules of Evidence saw two major updates in 2024 and 2025 that are already changing how we approach expert testimony and medical peer review protections. We break down what these changes mean for your practice and how to navigate them effectively.
Essential Legal Resources for Modern Trial Lawyers
Posted by Joe Bodiford on
Elevate Your Cross-Examinations: A Guide to Using Witness Worksheets and ‘How-To’ Videos in Court
Posted by Joe Bodiford on
The Power of Preparation: Why Cross-Examination Demands a System When the judge calls, “Cross-examination?”—those few seconds of silence before you rise can feel like a lifetime. That’s when your preparation (or lack thereof) truly shows. Ask any trial lawyer: having a rock-solid system for organizing your attack is non-negotiable. This is where witness worksheets and training videos really shine. Building Strong Foundations: The Modern Approach to Cross Traditionally, cross-examination was treated as gladiatorial: improvise, jab, hope for a knockout. But the profession has evolved. The most effective litigators treat their cross like storytelling, anchored by a case theory (“the plot”),...
5 Essential Trial Guide Tools Every Young Litigator Should Have in Their Trial Notebook
Posted by Joe Bodiford on
When in doubt, tab it out! There’s nothing quite like the energy and pressure of your first trial. Whether you’re still getting used to courthouse security or already keeping a fresh pair of shoes under your desk, one thing is universal: a solid, organized trial notebook is your anchor in the storm. For every young litigator, the trial notebook isn’t just paper; it’s your lifeline when the judge is firing questions, your witness takes a left turn, or opposing counsel tries a surprise attack. Let’s break down the five must-have tools every young litigator should keep front and center in...
TRIAL TIPS #1: What the ancients can teach us about trial advocacy
Posted by Joe Bodiford on
The study of ethos, logos, and pathos are as important today as they were two thousand years ago. Even average speakers can improve and become great orators by embracing what the ancients practiced every day.