MEMBERSHIP a tremendously large verdict and who mentioned that he was a “ double Harvard ” multiple times during the trial . Dodd discussed how he used this egotism to his advantage .
While Dodd maintains that he did not enjoy law school , he however loves trying cases . He is a firm believer in the jury system because the jury is the great equalizer . A jury keeps everyone honest . He believes that juries normally reach the right outcomes , not necessarily for the right reasons .
PHOTO CREDIT : PIXABAY . COM
The program also included a detailed discussion of proper techniques of cross-examination . A cross-examination can be either too long or too short . Under the old school method , which Dodd referred to as “ the destructive method ,” a cross-examiner would try to attack certain portions of the witness ’ s testimony to show inconsistencies . This method can be effective , but Dodd favors the new technique of cross-examining witness , which he called “ the constructive method .” With the constructive method , the cross-examiner goes over all the facts presented by the witness but frames the facts to support his version of the case . Dodd believes that you cankill the witness with a thousand cuts , not a “ kaboom .” Dodd also shared that he has never had a Perry Mason moment during trial .
Dodd , as a world-renowned trial attorney , also provided his insights into delegating work . He believes that you should never delegate work to someone you do not completely trust , and you will never be able to delegate as much as you want . When it comes to client management , Dodd recommends setting client boundaries early on . He always informs his clients that they will make the big decisions on their case together , but they will not make every decision together . He never asks a client whether he properly examined a witness during trial .
Dodd ’ s insights into trying cases were invaluable , especially considering the phenomenon of the vanishing jury trial . The highlight of the program , however , was Dodd ’ s understanding of the legal profession . He knows that being a trial lawyer is hard , and it is a 24 / 7 job . Though he believes that he missed out on some of the philosophical and spiritual parts of life because he was working so much he would not trade it for the world . Not surprising for a man who dreams about cross-examinations .
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If you were not fortunate enough to watch this CLE live , the program will be available on the Atlanta Bar ’ s online CLE library . Be on the lookout for the next installment of our “ Legends of the Bar .” www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 31