It’s hard enough getting ready for a trial, but as a solo, there’s even more to think about because of staffing constraints, as Kimberly Fanady points out in this piece, Flying Solo at Trial, Small Firm Business (3/10/05). Among other tips, Fanady suggests retaining a temp to put files and exhibits in order and calling in colleagues to practice cross examination with clients. And then of course, there’s all that work that could pile up at the office while you’re tied up at court.
But for all of the tribulations involved with going to trial as a solo, there’s one major benefit that outweighs all the drawbacks: you actually get to first chair – to handle the witnesses, make opening and closing arguments and pick the jury. And if you don’t think that’s a great perk, why don’t you talk to some of the senior associates or even junior partners in biglaw litigation departments who have yet to come off the bench and into the game.
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