Going to court necessitates extensive preparation and research in order to properly defend your case. When faced with legal difficulties, court actions may be the last choice if they cannot be resolved peacefully. Court processes, on the other hand, maybe quite stressful. The attendance of the complainant, the defendant, and lawyers/solicitors is required during hearings.
Although relatively few lawsuits require a full trial, if your case must go to court, you will need a civil litigation lawyer who understands how to build a winning case. While diverse trial lawyers have distinct techniques, the finest courtroom lawyers have key characteristics.
- The most effective trial lawyers have the following abilities:
- Personality and presence in court
- Solid planning and critical thought are required.
- Excellent storytelling
Some of these abilities are taught in law school, while others are intrinsic qualities that must be developed over time via substantial trial experience. Let’s delve deeper into each area to see which characteristics you should look for in a trial lawyer.
Here is some advice you must take note of before appearing before a court:
- Get a good lawyer. Legal issues are too difficult to handle. Lawyers are always present to guide and assist during these taxing situations. It is best to consult a good lawyer and ask for advice on how to fix your issues. Some cases may be settled out of court but with tough legal issues, a court proceeding may be required. Get a good lawyer who can represent and defend you in court.
- Get ready. On the day of the proceeding, make sure you are all set. A lawyer may be present, but you must also be ready. Do as much study on your case, especially on how the other party plays the case. Gather all information and details with regard to your case. Get all documents ready for proof or evidence if needed. It may also be helpful to get a head start by attending other court hearings. This will orient you on how the court proceeding go. If you require witnesses, make sure they shall appear in court hearings.
- Arrival. Be in court at least 30 minutes before your time. This will give you ample time to relax, stay focused and compose yourself. Refrain from confrontations with the other party. Do not bring your children to court unless required, this is very inappropriate. You may bring a family member or friend for support. They have to be 18 years old and above.
- Dress smartly. It is not always that you have to stand in court to speak, but it is expected that you dress accordingly. A court is a formal place. Though it does not require a dress code, be smart in choosing what to wear.
- Take note during the hearing. A lawyer may represent you in court. He/She will do all the defending or speaking on your behalf. However, it is best that you take down notes on things that the other part present.
- Don’t do it inside the courtroom. Never talk back during the proceedings. You are not allowed to say your stand. Your lawyer can do that for you. Talk to your lawyer if you think you have something to say. Only address the judge if you are instructed to do so. If asked, answer directly with clear voice and with composed content.
Trial or hearing Characteristics That Stand Out in the UAE Courts
The top trial or hearing lawyers will impress the jury or judge by doing the following:
- Having a positive outlook
- Be polite to everyone in the courtroom, including opposing counsel.
- Being professional and prepared
- Not wasting people’s time.
- Being a good listener and analyzing the judge’s and jury’s reactions elegantly, and gracefully handling unforeseen events
Importance of Solid Planning and Critical Thinking
Each trial involves unique planning based on the facts, but in general, every trial attorney must complete the following steps:
- Preliminary research to study every facet of the case devise a strategy to keep everything in order and easily accessible
- Collect all evidence, including any necessary depositions
- Obtain all necessary documentation
- Produce extensive summaries of direct testimony and cross-examination questions for use at trial prepare exhibits and demonstrative aids for use at trial
- Create heartfelt opening comments and persuasive closing arguments
- Consider the goals of jury selection.
- Assemble jury instructions.
Once the fundamentals are in place, a smart trial attorney will stand back and critically examine the best case narrative to offer in order for the trier of fact to find in favor of the client. The significance of this pre-trial planning cannot be emphasized. Even if you are hoping that your case will be settled before ever entering the courts, your attorney must prepare for trial. In fact, proper trial preparation may aid in the resolution of your case. On the other hand, if your attorney isn’t ready for trial, you’ll be in a bad position to negotiate a settlement.
