On March 13, at a CLE program hosted by the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, a panel composed of U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer of the Northern District of California, Morrison & Foerster’s James Brosnahan, Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy’s Joseph Cotchett and jury consultant Carrie Mason discussed techniques on delivering the best opening statement.
Outside of voir dire, an opening statement is the attorney’s first opportunity to address the jurors and speak to them about the case. It is an opportunity to set the tone for the case and perhaps win over some jurors early.
