How do you prepare for a case?
Do you go through an entire file multiple times? Break down the discovery? Continuously read over and over the documentary evidence?
If you follow all these steps, then you are on the correct path, but at times it seems a bit much for you; however, there is a way to limit time and effort for, and that is by following a mantra I learned in law school: “a perfect practice makes perfect results”. Fortunately for me, I had developed this understanding, and namely a partner who went to the same high school and law school as me, which he ended up dubbing the five P’s:
- 1. Prepare for the trial by analyzing the discovery and documentary evidence
- 2. Prepare for the trial again
- 3. Prepare a third time
- 4. Prepare a fourth
- 5. And final preparation
That’s it! No needless rereads succeeding the five, unless you want an extra boost in confidence, but you will know everything you can about the case. In this regard, five is the magic number. Knowing your case, more than anyone in the court room, is the first step to success; and you’ll never be truly surprised in a trial, unless it’s one dense plot twist. Not only does knowledge give you an advantage over your adversary(s) but it will exceptionally help with your argument. Surpass the student and become the master of your own case. There is no such thing as a over prepared trial, but there is plenty under prepared. Don’t be that legal professional, disoriented in the courtroom, unprepared.
Follow the 5 P’s and success is yours.
