Clay Milling Speak on Effective Opening Statement at Trial – July 30, 2009
Henry Spiegel Milling LLP partner Clay Milling was invited to speak to lawyers from across the State of Georgia at the annual Auto Torts Conference, which was held July 30, 2009 through August 1, 2009 in Amelia Island, Fla. The specific topic Clay was asked to speak on was “Opening Statement: Taking Control of Your Case and the Courtroom.” During the one hour presentation, Clay provided insight to lawyers attending the conference on how he prepares for an effectively communicates his opening statements to the jury, all with the goal of obtaining a significant verdict at the end of trial. Opening statements are one of the most important aspects of a trial and the manner in which the attorney communicates and explains the case to the jury during the opening statement is crucial in relation to how the jury ultimately decides the case. Many studies have shown that juries essentially decide the case based upon what they hear during the opening statement from the lawyers. Henry Spiegel Milling LLP, and Clay in particular, pride itself on its skills as trial attorneys and that Clay was asked to speak to Georgia lawyers and offer advice on this crucial phase of a jury trial is further evidence of the firms recognized excellence as trial attorneys.
