The outcome of a trial is often determined by whether the trier of fact perceives that the witnesses and testimony are credible. Because of this, an important part of our job as trial attorneys is to marshal the evidence and fashion our arguments in a manner that helps to establish the credibility of the witnesses offered in support of our client’s case – and likewise in a way that challenges the credibility of the witnesses offered in opposition to our client’s case. This course focuses on witness credibility and highlights lessons learned from a recently completed jury trial in which the credibility of the witnesses was an integral part of the outcome of the case.
In this course, trial attorney Larry Campitiello will share with you some of his observations and insights from a case that arose out of a real estate dispute. Mr. Campitiello will show you the importance of both establishing and challenging the credibility of witnesses and also give you some practical trial tips and strategies to help you bolster the credibility of your witnesses and undermine the credibility of the other side’s witnesses. The primary issues addressed include defusing any potential negative impact on credibility in opening statement & direct examination, working with the facts of the case, observations on credibility from the case and the result of the case. Additional issues discussed: utilizing key evidence, establishing the credibility of your witness, defusing potential prejudice toward your client in jury voir dire, refusing the urge to oversell your client, not overselling your case, narrowing claims for trial to raise credibility, knowing your expert, working with your expert on demeanor and the use of pre-trial deposition testimony for ammunition.
An accomplished litigator and transactional attorney, Larry has built a reputation as the go-to-guy for all things business law. With over 30 years of experience in both dispute strategy and litigation and business transactions, Larry provides a full service practice through which he supports clients in their day-to-day business operations and protects them from the threat of litigation. His expertise ranges from representing shareholders, directors, and officers in “corporate divorces” to assisting lenders in documenting secured transactions, enforcing rights in collateral, and collecting damages from borrowers and guarantors. Active in the legal community, Larry has served as president of the North San Diego County Bar Association and was named Attorney of the Year by the organization in 2013. He was named a Top Lawyer of 2015 by San Diego Magazine and was recognized as a San Diego Super Lawyer in 2016. Larry holds an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating with Martindale-Hubbell.