Massachusetts Courtroom Advocacy

Table of Contents

Chapter 01 - An Introduction to Trial Advocacy
Robert J. Muldoon, Jr., Esq.,

Chapter 02 - Preparing for Civil Trial in Massachusetts
John Kenneth Felter, Esq.,
Checklist 2.1 - Witness Preparation Checklist
Checklist 2.2 - Questions to Ask About the Judge Who Will Preside Over Your Upcoming Trial
Checklist 2.3 - Sample Objection Reference Sheet
Exhibit 2A - Sample Trial Budget
Exhibit 2B - Massachusetts Superior Court Seventh Amended Standing Order 1-88 (“Time Standards”)
Exhibit 2C - Sample Trial Task List and Schedule
Exhibit 2D - Sample Exhibit List
Exhibit 2E - Sample Order of Proof Chart
Exhibit 2F - Sample Motion for a View
Exhibit 2G - Sample Motion to Conclusively Establish Facts Based upon Judicial Admissions
Exhibit 2H - Sample Motion to Exclude Character Witnesses
Exhibit 2I - Sample Trial Memorandum on Leading Questions
Exhibit 2J - Bibliography

Chapter 03 - Jury Selection
Joseph D. Lipchitz, Esq.,
Saul Ewing LLP
Kelsey M. Westrich, Esq.,
Saul Ewing LLP

Chapter 04 - Opening Statement
Michael B. Keating, Esq.,
Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, PC

Chapter 05 - Introduction of Evidence
Andrew R. Levin, Esq.,
ArentFox Schiff LLP
Checklist 5.1 - Practical Suggestions for Organizing Your Presentation of Evidence

Chapter 06 - Objections
Jeffrey C. Melick, Esq.,
Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti LLP
Exhibit 6A - Common Objections to Documentary Evidence
Exhibit 6B - Some Common Objections to Testimony

Chapter 07 - Direct Examination
Carol A. Starkey, Esq.,
Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford LLP
Checklist 7.1 - Common Pretrial Issues in Criminal Cases
Checklist 7.2 - Rules for Witnesses Facing Cross-Examination
Checklist 7.3 - Preparing Your Witness for Trial
Checklist 7.4 - Common Objections and Issues in the Use of Digital Photography
Checklist 7.5 - Common Objections and Issues: Use of Video
Checklist 7.6 - Common Objections and Issues: Points of View in Computer Simulations
Checklist 7.7 - Common Objections and Issues: Illustrative Aids in General
Exhibit 7A - Proposed Model Jury Instructions on the Use of Technology and Social Media
Exhibit 7B - Sample Exhibit List

Chapter 08 - Cross-Examination
David L. Ferrera, Esq.,
Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP
Exhibit 8A - Resources

Chapter 09 - Examination of Experts
Audrey Poore Joyce, Esq.,
Jones Kelleher LLP
Exhibit 9A - Suggested Forms for Opinion Questions

Chapter 10 - Closing Argument - Plaintiff’s Perspective
Stacey L. Pietrowicz, Esq.,
Sugarman and Sugarman, PC
Exhibit 10A - Closing Argument Excerpt: Sympathy Versus Justice
Exhibit 10B - Closing Argument Excerpt: Numerous Ways Injury Could Have Been Prevented
Exhibit 10C - Closing Argument Excerpt: Defendant’s Motive in Medical Negligence Case
Exhibit 10D - Closing Argument Excerpt: “Saving Something for Closing”
Exhibit 10E - Closing Argument Excerpt: Contradictions in Defense Theory
Exhibit 10F - Closing Argument Excerpt: Damages for Permanent Disability
Exhibit 10G - Closing Argument Excerpt: Damages in Death Case
Exhibit 10H - Closing Argument Excerpt: Defendants Blaming Each Other and Plaintiff

Chapter 11 - Closing Argument - Defendant’s Perspective
William J. Dailey, III, Esq.,
Sloane and Walsh LLP
Gail M. Ryan, Esq.,
Sloane and Walsh LLP
John P. Ryan, Esq.,
Sloane and Walsh LLP
Checklist 11.1 - "Do’s” and “Don’ts” for Closing Argument
Exhibit 10I - Closing Argument Excerpt: Products Liability (Unguarded Machine)

Chapter 12 - Trial Motion Practice
Jeffrey C. Melick, Esq.,
Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti LLP

Chapter 13 - Damages - Plaintiff’s Perspective
Michael B. Bogdanow, Esq.,
Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, PC
Robert Foster, Esq.,
Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, PC

Chapter 14 - Damages - Defendant’s Perspective
Stephen M. O'Shea, Esq.,
Martin, Magnuson, McCarthy & Kenney
Checklist 14.1 - Checklist for Deposition of Plaintiff
Exhibit 11A - Examples of Closing Argument
Exhibit 14A - Letter, Application for Court Order, and Proposed Court Order Pursuant to Superior Court Rule 13
Exhibit 14B - Notice Letter to Counsel and Keeper of Records Subpoena for Medical Records
Exhibit 14C - Notice Letter to Counsel and Keeper of Records Subpoena for Health Insurance Records
Exhibit 14D - Subpoena for 30(b)(6) Deposition of Plaintiff’s Employer
Exhibit 14E - Keeper of Records Subpoena to Workers’ Compensation Insurer

Chapter 15 - Trial Advocacy in Criminal Defense
Cathleen L. Bennett, Esq.,
Matthew J. Fleischner, Esq.,
Committee for Public Counsel Services
Checklist 15.1 - Step-by-Step Checklist: Prepare to Be an Effective Advocate for Your Defendant-Client at Trial

Chapter 16 - Mediation and Arbitration
Joseph S. Berman, Esq.,
Office of the General Counsel, Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers
Michelle R. Yu, Esq.,
Office of the General Counsel, Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers

Authors

Editor(s)
David L. Ferrera, Esq.,
Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, Boston

Author(s)
Cathleen L. Bennett, Esq.,
Joseph S. Berman, Esq.,
Office of the General Counsel, Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, Boston
Michael B. Bogdanow, Esq.,
Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, PC, Boston
William J. Dailey, III, Esq.,
Sloane and Walsh LLP, Boston
John Kenneth Felter, Esq.,
Matthew J. Fleischner, Esq.,
Committee for Public Counsel Services, Springfield
Robert Foster, Esq.,
Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, PC, Boston
Michael B. Keating, Esq.,
Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, PC, Boston
Andrew R. Levin, Esq.,
ArentFox Schiff LLP, Boston
Joseph D. Lipchitz, Esq.,
Saul Ewing LLP, Boston
Jeffrey C. Melick, Esq.,
Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti LLP, Lexington
Robert J. Muldoon, Jr., Esq.,
Stephen M. O'Shea, Esq.,
Martin, Magnuson, McCarthy & Kenney, Boston
Stacey L. Pietrowicz, Esq.,
Sugarman and Sugarman, PC, Boston
Audrey Poore Joyce, Esq.,
Jones Kelleher LLP, Boston
Gail M. Ryan, Esq.,
Sloane and Walsh LLP, Boston
John P. Ryan, Esq.,
Sloane and Walsh LLP, Boston
Carol A. Starkey, Esq.,
Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford LLP, Boston
Kelsey M. Westrich, Esq.,
Saul Ewing LLP, Boston
Michelle R. Yu, Esq.,
Office of the General Counsel, Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, Boston