While it shouldn’t be a client’s job to watch out for their lawyer’s coaching mistakes, accidents happen. For the sake of doing all you can to prepare for your trial, being aware of the most common mistakes made during this coaching is necessary.
Unfortunately, not all lawyers stay well-versed in their field, making successful cases more challenging to achieve.
Without consistent awareness of the changing laws and regulations that pertain to different cases, lawyers are ill-equipped to use legal changes as support or merit in their arguments.
If you want to prepare for your trial in the best way possible, here are five mistakes to be aware of during witness coaching with your lawyer.
Mistake #1: All Witness Coaching Approaches Are The Same
At the witness stand, adapting to the process is a necessary skill. There is no standardized approach to witness coaching. (Zolpidem) (northpointewellness.org)
Depending on the different backgrounds of the witnesses, the coaching methods will vary. Do not assume that the process used for one witness will automatically work for another—the variables matter.
Mistake #2: You Don’t Need To Worry About What Is Asked
While it may be true that you can’t actually guess what a questioner is going to ask you, your lawyer is still required to do as much research as they can to prepare you for witness questioning.
During your witness coaching, your lawyer needs to have the ability to anticipate possible questions so you can gain an edge over your case.
Mistake #3: Your Lawyer Explains Law In Complex Terms
Lawyers have years of experience working with the law. To adequately prepare a client, the lawyer needs to use simple terms to teach the client about the legal terms that directly apply to their case.
Your lawyer is setting you up for failure during questioning without giving you the ability to understand the laws that will influence the case outcome.
Mistake #4: You’re Told That Coaching Is Optional
While you do not have to prepare for questioning, a good lawyer knows that preparation is the key to a successful case.
If your lawyer plays down the importance of witness preparation, this is a sign you need to speak up and request coaching for your case.
Lawyers who assume that their client is too busy are exhibiting passiveness which is a weakness for court cases.
Mistake #5: Your Lawyer Is Always Unavailable
If a lawyer has agreed to represent you and your case, they should make time to work with you on witness coaching.
To prepare for your trial and achieve the best possible outcome, witness coaching is critical.
Just because preparation coaching is not mandatory does not mean your lawyer lacks the obligation to participate in these lessons with you. Get your lawyer involved or find another lawyer!
Don’t Lose Your Case. Be Aware Of Common Mistakes!
To prevent mistakes and the potential downfall of your case, review the above five common mistakes to prepare for your trial that lawyers make and stay clear from these issues no matter what!
