This article serves as a "How-to Guide For Winning Trials," distilling key advice shared by some of Miami's most celebrated plaintiffs and defense attorneys and judges at a sold-out "View From the Bench" seminar. Focused on openings, closings, and jury selection, with an ethical lens, the event brought together legal luminaries like Florida Supreme Court Justice Fred Lewis, H.T. Smith, Ramon Abadin, and Edward Blumberg, a partner at Deutsch Blumberg & Caballero, P.A. Blumberg was a prominent participant, contributing to a panel on jury selection in both personal injury and commercial cases, alongside other distinguished legal minds.
Edward Blumberg shared practical and philosophical insights, notably advocating for resourcefulness by having paralegals or staffers act as unpaid jury consultants to take notes and research potential jurors, including checking social media and felony convictions. He emphasized the critical importance of being "unfailingly polite" to juries, whom he refers to as "judges without robes," and frequently reminds them of the hard-won right to a jury trial. Other valuable tips from the seminar included H.T. Smith's advice on setting the stage in opening statements, Herman Russomanno's caution against attacking opposing counsel, Ramon Abadin's strategy of proactively addressing "problem documents," and Judge Ronald Dresnick's encouragement for lawyers to be more active with objections. Jennifer Altman also stressed the importance of being approachable and self-deprecating to jurors. The collective wisdom offered practical solutions and ethical considerations for lawyers aiming to enhance their trial advocacy skills.
Click to Read Full Article