About
this Issue
Ibiere Seck Editor-in-Chief
Trial techniques from a woman’s perspective When I was asked to edit this year’s
issue on trial techniques, I felt a bit over- whelmed. As a member of CAALA, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the best trial lawyers in the country. As I began compiling my list of potential authors, I observed a glaring disparity: of the two dozen or so names listed, only a handful were women. That is when I decided to seek out women trial lawyers/judges and ask them to give their perspective on trial techniques. The response was overwhelming. However, the problem with asking ambitious trial lawyers and judges to write articles is that they’re all too busy trying and managing cases! Fortunately, I caught a few between
trials who were more than willing to share their perspectives, techniques, observations and tips on being an effec- tive trial lawyer. Pending her retirement, Judge
Jacqueline Connor reflects on her 35 years in the legal profession (25 of which
have been on the bench); and shares with us her perspective on what makes a good trial attorney. In her article, Women in the Trial Trenches, Judge Connor highlights the differences between some men and women trial attorneys and encourages trial lawyers to play to their strengths, which, in the case of women, can at times be their femininity. Genie Harrison discusses the traits
that set women trial lawyers apart from their male counterparts, giving a very personal and poignant account of her experiences as a female trial lawyer. She also provides tips on becoming the best trial lawyer you can be, regardless of gen- der.
Prominent defense attorney Denise
Taylor emphasizes the importance of the jury selection process and offers invalu- able insight from the defense perspec- tive. In her article, Thoughts on the Jury Selection Process from a Defense Perspective, Taylor also suggests special considera- tions for women conducting voir dire.
Linda Fermoyle Rice’s article,
Evidentiary Issues in Medical Malpractice Cases, examines the evidentiary issues that arise in med-mal cases. Her article discusses in breadth and depth how one can effectively get necessary evidence (such as medical records, expert testimo- ny, treatises and journals) before a jury. In her article, Keep it Out -
Befriending the Motion-in-Limine Process, Geraldine Weiss explains how to keep your case on the track to success through the motion in limine process. Knowing how to preclude the presentation of evi- dence harmful or irrelevant to your case is very helpful for all trial lawyers. San Francisco attorney Cynthia
McGuinn offers a wonderful primer on jury selection, as seen through the eyes of her horses. Don’t miss her wry assess- ment of equestrian principles that can be applied in the courtroom. It has truly been a pleasure working
with these talented women and I would like to thank each of them for their con- tribution not only to this issue of the Advocate, but also to the legal profession. I wish you all continued success.
Ibiere Seck is an Associate Attorney at
310-575-4893
www.taxandbklaw.com
mufti@taxandbklaw.com 701 N. Alvarado Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026
8 — The Advocate Magazine FEBRUARY 2012
The Cochran Firm in Los Angeles where her practice focuses primarily on major negli- gence and product liability litigation and trial. Ms. Seck joined the firm in 2008 and is a graduate of Loyola Law School. She is mem- ber of CAALA and CAOC’s Board of Governors and serves on the boards of both the Langston Bar Association and the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles. In addition, she is an advisory board member of Western Center on Law & Poverty and the Mesereau Free Legal Clinic where she regular- ly volunteers. She is also the proud mother of a pensive and affectionate 9-month-old boy, Massamba.
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