A lot of trial lawyers extol the virtues of storytelling when they talk about developing winning strategies. And while I love a good story as much as the next lawyer, jurors are being sold short if your trial strategy relies too heavily on a well-told story alone.
Want to know what really sells? Take a look at the display windows at Neiman Marcus, as an example. If you’ve ever strolled by the high-end department store, you may have noticed these elaborate and beautiful glass-encased displays. The next time you walk by, take a closer look and you’ll see it’s more than just pretty. Those windows are actually well-thought-out tableaus, meticulously designed by artists with an appreciation for subtlety, an attention to detail and a facility for subliminal storytelling. They know their audience and the subject matter they have to present. Read more
Storytelling is No Substitute for Mastery of the Evidence
/in Trial Strategy /by Chrysta CastañedaWant to know what really sells? Take a look at the display windows at Neiman Marcus, as an example. If you’ve ever strolled by the high-end department store, you may have noticed these elaborate and beautiful glass-encased displays. The next time you walk by, take a closer look and you’ll see it’s more than just pretty. Those windows are actually well-thought-out tableaus, meticulously designed by artists with an appreciation for subtlety, an attention to detail and a facility for subliminal storytelling. They know their audience and the subject matter they have to present. Read more
Lessons from the John Wiley Price Trial
/in Trial Strategy /by Chrysta CastañedaThe government had a lot riding on this case. The FBI had been investigating Price and some of his business associates since the early 2000s. So, it was educational, as a litigator, to watch such a high-stakes case play out and ultimately unravel under the glare of the public spotlight. Read more
Castañeda Firm Victory for Oilman T. Boone Pickens Ranked Among Top U.S. Verdicts
/in Oil & Gas/Energy Litigation /by The Castaneda FirmChrysta Castañeda
Pecos, Texas, jury awards over $145 million against Midland and Dallas oil companies
DALLAS – Dallas trial attorney Chrysta Castañeda and The Castañeda Firm are being recognized on The National Law Journal’s Top 100 Verdicts of 2016 list after winning a multimillion-dollar oil and gas verdict for legendary oilman T. Boone Pickens and his company, Mesa Petroleum Partners.
The state district court verdict against two Midland oil and gas companies and a Dallas-based operator ranked as the 12th highest in the country, according to the National Law Journal. Read more
Fine Tuning Voir Dire
/in Commercial Litigation, Complex Commercial Cases /by Chrysta CastañedaI recently sat through voir dire as a panel member in one of the criminal district courts in Dallas County. It’s always good to watch other practitioners go about their art; I always learn a lot (or am reminded of what I already know). To my fellow trial lawyers who read this blog, here are a few reminders: Read more
Should Trial Counsel Speak to the Media?
/in Commercial Litigation, Complex Commercial Cases /by Chrysta CastañedaI’m often asked whether litigation counsel should serve as a media spokespeople when they are handling legal matters of public interest. As in most things, the answer is “It depends.” Here are a few key considerations: Read more
Oil Prices are Falling: Get Ready for Litigation
/in Commercial Litigation, Oil & Gas/Energy Litigation /by Chrysta CastañedaOil prices are falling and deals are getting scrapped. As was the case with the last several business cycles, litigation will undoubtedly ensue. The old-timers refer to this as “drilling at the courthouse.” Here are five tips for preparing for possible litigation: Read more