After 25 years of representing injured clients I have developed a deep appreciation for the impact of what a permanent injury truly is. A fractured hip for example doesn't just affect the limb, which is damaged. It usually alters the gait and causes problems with the back as well. Unremitting daily pain is not just a physical experience; it alters the mind, turns confidence into insecurity, optimism to pessimism and anticipation of the next day to dread. While a serious injury is a personal experience, the impact ripples well beyond the individual. Spouses suffer, children feel the angst of the parent struggling to cope with disability.

Getting the best result for the client requires marshalling family, friends, co-workers, clergy and of course treating physicians to vividly paint the canvas of a shattered life. Painting that canvas is the lawyer's job. The shapes, colors, and textures come from these witnesses.

Although only a small percentage of cases are actually tried we prepare each case as if it were going to imminently be tried. The preparation for trial starts on day one. The theme of the case is carefully crafted early on.

If jury trials are in large part theater dress rehearsals are critical. Preparing witnesses not only for the trial but also for depositions and defense medical exams safeguard against the curve balls thrown by insurance companies. Clients who are not prepared can do irreparable harm to their cases.

Our in -office courtroom is used not only to train lawyers who take different roles in mock trials. More important is the confidence that a dry run in a realistic environment in front of "rented jurors" creates for our clients. The sessions are videotaped and reviewed with the client afterwards. It never ceases to amaze me how the jurors pick up on details and nuances the lawyers didn't think were important. They help us refine our presentations and evidence to maximize clarity and impact.

While it may be difficult for clients to relive a tragic event such as a death of a spouse, all of our clients appreciate the value of a mock trial in our courtroom.

A well-prepared client wins trials. An insurance company facing a well prepared plaintiff usually settles the case before it goes to a jury verdict. Preparation pays great dividends. I love our courtroom work. It's about preparation.