Some like it, some hate it.  Here’s the story: Some lawyers, as part of the client’s preparation for deposition, have the client prepare “Cliff Notes” of their testimony.  This would be a set of notes, including time lines, photographs and … Continue reading →

Some of my clients ask why lawyer’s Complaints are so complicated and have different claims.  To them it seems simple: we agreed to do something, it didn’t get done, and I’m out my money.  I want my money back Mr. … Continue reading →

I don’t do patent law.  It’s incredibly complex and has many arcane rules. But sometimes clients need to know just a little bit about patent law so they can ask the right questions when they hire a lawyer.  So, as … Continue reading →

The recent travails of Paula Broadwell and David Petraeus and their emails has raised a lot of questions, many of which have been answered, at least partially, by citations to the PATRIOT ACT or national security.  But what about email … Continue reading →

4.  What skills are essential for a good juror? Active listening, good memory, and the ability to make decisions for yourself to determine the fate of the person who is charged.  In other words, stand your ground when you make … Continue reading →

3.  What are the lawyers looking for?  “Impartial,” “disinterested” and “uninterested” are words the selection process uses.  They are not synonyms however.  So what do these words mean in the legal context?*Impartial: not prejudiced towards or against any particular side … Continue reading →

2. Don’t lie when you do you get there. When you get to the courthouse and they are selecting jurors for a trial, don’t lie.  Don’t tell the attorneys and judge that you are impartial, disinterested or uninterested in the … Continue reading →

I love juries.  I have great faith in the basic good sense of my fellow citizens. They are the bulwark of U.S. justice and our democracy.  It is not too far-fetched to argue that without juries to put a check … Continue reading →

Busy, tired, stressed out citizens receive notices for jury duty every day.  So what do you do when you are “called up?” First, when you are called up, go to the court and get into the jury room.  Second, when you … Continue reading →

* Definition of Confidential Information. Every NDA should describe the types of information to be protected in the agreement. Common categories of confidential information include formulas (recipes), patterns (designs, blueprints, and specifications), compilations (customer lists, data collections), programs (software and … Continue reading →