trying to get information to them while the other side is trying to hide the infor- mation from them. This is not a good place to be, and I see this form of aggressiveness more often with men. Anyone watching a trial between real masters of the art will see very few objec- tions. That is, in large part, because they have done the rough-and-tumble work behind the scenes through in limine motions and advance rulings when the issues can be addressed cleanly with no jurors waiting. Appearance is one that creates a
unique problem for women, since there is no standard trial “uniform” that works. Men can wear a good suit and with good grooming; appearance is a nonissue. Women? Unfortunately because of the freedom women have to wear different types of clothing, focus on dress and appearance comes to the forefront more often. The bottom line is that a trial lawyer’s appearance must always be pro- fessional. In addition to simple groom- ing, this means nothing tight, no bare arms or legs, no dangling jewelry, and nothing higher than a medium heel. Can women do well with more flamboy- ant clothing? Of course, just as men might. The danger of offending a juror who might or might not appreciate
panache should be enough to curb loos- er standards. Clothing should never hit the jurors’ radar screen other than to create the impression of confidence, competence and experience. It should be a nonissue and flash rarely works. Ultimately, if one were to examine
the top 25 trial lawyers in Los Angeles, there is a strong feminine presence. Do women need to be “more like men” to do well with juries? Absolutely not. Can feminine characteristics be an advan- tage? Absolutely. Can we be our own worst enemy? Aren’t we always?
Jacqueline Connor, a USC graduate,
was first appointed to the bench in 1986 and is currently assigned to civil trials in the West District. A successful mediator as well as an expert in jury management, she has taught audiences nationally and consulted interna- tionally. She was named Judge of the Year in 2000 by the L.A. County Bar (Criminal Section) as well as the Century City Bar, 2006 Outstanding Jurist of the Year by the L.A. County Bar, and was listed in Lawdragon’s Leading 500 Judges Nationwide and the Daily Journal’s Top 100 Lawyers in California in 2007. She has settled hundreds of cases and published in journals, newspapers and news magazines locally and nationally.
Steven G. Mehta is one of California’s premier, award- winning attorney mediators, specializing in intensely-difficult and emotionally-charged cases.
Steve’s book, 112 Ways to Succeed in Any Negotiation or Mediation, will turbo-charge your negotiation skills regardless of your experience.
To schedule your mediation or order a copy of
Steve’s new book, call 661.284.1818
LIFE CARE PLANNER
BURNS & BACK INJURIES SPINAL CORD INJURIES HEAD TRAUMA HAND INJURIES
AMPUTATIONS CHRONIC PAIN BIRTH INJURIES MAJOR ORGANS
LIFE CARE PLANNING MEDICAL SUMMARIES
Karen Luckett OTR, CHT, CLCP, CCM, CDMS, CAPS
Injury & Disability Expert
injuryxpert@gmail.com FEBRUARY 2012 The Advocate Magazine — 31
DAY-IN-THE-LIFE VIDEOS IME OBSERVATIONS
LIFE CARE PLANNER
or check with your local bookseller, preferred online retailer, or online at:
www.112ways.com or
www.stevemehta.com
Locations in Los Angeles & Valencia Mediations throughout California
EXPEDITED CA
EXPEDITED CASES ACCEPTED
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