Legal Commentary

One of the most terrifying and exhilarating days of my career was the first day I walked into the San Francisco federal courtroom of Judge Samuel Conti as the law clerk for Albert Abramson (left). Abramson was  the lead attorney in a multi-plaintiff Alaska plane crash case. During the eight-week trial, my job was to take care of anything Al needed, from exhibits to power strips for the projectors, to a cup of coffee.

Al has been a wonderful mentor, and he was instrumental in helping me navigate my quick transition from actually practicing law to writing about law. I cherish my memories of working at what is now Abramson Smith Waldsmith -- the lessons Al taught me have shaped my understanding of litigation and the practice of law (and life!). I was admitted to the bar during the trial, and will never forget the enthusiastic welcome I received from Judge Conti, all counsel, and the jury on that wonderful day.

In our latest LTN video, Latham & Watkins' John Cleaves offers concrete tips on how you can reduce your anxiety when it's your turn to take the litigation support hot seat in a courtroom. Cleaves is the supervisor of practice support in the firm's Los Angeles office and a frequent contributor to Law Technology News.

It all boils down, says Cleaves, to the Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared!" Before trial, says Cleaves, visit the courtroom and scope it out. Introduce yourself to the clerks and ask about protocols, e.g., what the judge likes and doesn't like. While there, check out all the electrical outlets.

Be sure to always have a backup laptop ? (über-aggressive opposing teams have been know to "accidently" spill water on opponents' computers).  And always keep a Power Bar in your bag so your stomach won't growl if you don't get a chance to eat lunch.

Want more? Here's a cover story from last year on the same topic.