The 13th juror

'Twas the night before trial, when all through the war-room, The team reviewed a document, more high light and zoom; The exhibits were marked and prepared with care, In hopes they would be admitted; and the judge would be fair. The jury was nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of a settlement filled their heads; And the client pacing nervously, notebook in my lap, While I wished for a strong, intravenous frappe. When out on the corridor there was such a clatter, I sprang from my seat to see what was the matter. What was that strange noise; way out in the hall, A jolly laugh, perhaps it was nothing at all. When, what to my curious eyes should appear, But a senior partner, did he ever instill fear! He was dressed all in red, from his head to his foot, And his cuff links were massive; and covered with soot! A bundle of discs, he had slung on his back, And he looked like a vendor just opening his pack. What was this extra data, at such a late hour? The thought of loading it al...

The chewing of bubblegum will not be allowed in this courtroom . I still chuckle every time I think about that old sign hanging on the door of a courtroom I just spent a few days in. Courtroom etiquette is something that we all have learned and adhere too as legal professionals. In fact, it is probably the most important thing any greenhorn should master before they even attempt to work in a trial setting. Knowing when and where to sit/stand can even change depending on the judge which you have been assigned. This past week I witnessed (no pun intended) a member of the tipstaff repeatedly falling asleep. To make matters worse this individual was loudly snoring during the examination of an expert witness. Now mind you this was no isolated event as it occurred several times. Surprisingly our judge did not seem overly concerned about it. Unfortunately, our jurors had quizzical raised eyebrows at the snoring. All I could think about was the old adage, do as I say, not as I do. For the most...