What does a Lauyer do when they start trial preperations?

Question

My lauyer said he was going to start preperations for my trial, I woundering what all he actually does?, of course he will be meeting with me to go over my side, but what else??

Answer 1

Well, aside from motions and hearings and all the other legal paperwork, there's a lot of organizing to do.

To be prepared, a lawyer has to go through every document and every piece of evidence and information available, figure out what can be presented to the court (and what needs to be excluded) how they need to present it, and in what order. They need to cross-reference all that information relative to the witnesses they intent to call, and to be ready to cross-examine all the witnesses the other side intends to call.

It's potentially a huge amount of work, depending upon how many documents and other pieces of evidence there are. And where there's not enough evidence, or where there are gaps or contradictions, the lawyer needs to consult with experts and investigators to fill out the picture.

Think of the trial as a battle. What happens in the courtroom is only the last few stages, after weeks or months of planning, formulating strategies, gathering resources, finding and evaluating witnesses, and figuring out how to present your case (make your attack), while at the same time figuring out what they other side is going to do and how to deal with that.

And that's just what they have to do for their side of things. There's also the motions and responses, each of which must be researched and drafted and proofread, before the actual hearings where the court makes preliminary rulings. And then, depending upon what the court rules, some of the plans and strategies that were developed above may need to be revised or replaced.

There's a reason why lawyers go to three years of graduate school, earn a doctoral degree, then spend several more years in practice learning about litigation before taking on a big case. There's a lot to know, and a lot to do. And every trial is different.

Answer 2

1. Ensures full disclosure and discovery of documents/evidence;
2. Reviewing the defence or other side's position;
3. Interviewing witnesses for the other side by deposition;
4. Interviewing you and your own witnesses;
5. In the case of expert testimony, having an expert review
technical or medical evidence and have that expert do some
interviews and draft a position favourable for your "side";
6. Reviewing the law that impacts on the case in dispute;
7. Arranging for exhibits and structuring pre-trial discussions and
probable motions arising from discovery before Trial; and
8. Preparing you and all witnesses for the actual Trial.

Answer 3

It depends on what type of case.

You need an investigator, expert witnesses, testifying witnesses, subpoena records, files and medical reports, depositions, et al; and figure out a "theory of the case," to present to the jury or judge.

Depending on if it is a criminal, civil or administrative case; and the complexities of the issues, will determine how long the preparation should take.

Answer 4

They review the police and prosecutions submissions to the court backing up the charges to determine if there are any issues that need to be questioned in examination for discovery.

Answer 5

Your lawyer will review the evidence and decide what you should plea.