As a caution, any objection to statements made during closing arguments must be timely. As a general rule, failure to promptly make the objection will waive the objection for appeal. There may be an exception to this rule if the comments were so inflammatory that a party was denied a fair trial.
5 Because the tribunal is not likely to be misled when a lawyer acts as advocate in a trial in which another lawyer in the lawyer's firm will testify as a necessary witness, paragraph (b) permits the lawyer to do so except in situations involving a conflict of interest.
As set forth in the Restatement (Third) of the Law Governing Lawyers, §108(4), “A tribunal should not permit a lawyer to call opposing trial coun- selas a witness unless there is a compelling need for the lawyer's testimony.” (emphasis added) Many jurisdictions follow this gen- eral rule, e.g., Louisiana.
If I have a procedural question such as “Do you know where that exhibit is?” I will directly address opposing counsel as Mr. or Ms. If it is not on the record, we generally call each other by our first names when we know each other from prior cases or experiences, or are friends.
California Evidence Code § 930 provides that “a defendant in a criminal case has a privilege not to be called as a witness and not to testify.” While a defendant can waive this privilege and choose to testify, the prosecutor cannot call the defendant to the stand just to make the defendant explicitly claim the ...
Typically, a former client seeking to disqualify a former attorney from representing an opposing party must identify specific, cogent information that the attorney possesses and show that the information is confidential and implicates the duty of loyalty.
8 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Opposing Counsel Point out Common Ground. Don't be Afraid to Ask Why. Separate the Person from the Problem. Focus on your Interests. Don't Fall for your Assumptions. Take a Calculated Approach. Control the Conversation by Reframing. Pick up the Phone.
Use Mr./Ms. last name for the initial email. When opposing counsel responds and signs off with a first name (e.g., "Nick"), use that going forward. ? To address a group of opposing counsel, go with "Counsel." If you find these tips helpful, please follow Nick Bullard and click the ? to get my next tip.
Do not engage. Think of her as a course hazard more than an opponent. Aim your words, always, at the judge. Be on time, be reasonable, be flexible to the extent it will not prejudice or harm your client, and do your best to keep all interactions in writing and on the record.