Thank You, Legal Services!
This President’s Page article by Alabama State Bar President Tom Methvin appeared in the January 2010 issue of The Alabama Lawyer magazine. In it, Mr. Methvin talks about the role of Legal Services Alabama (LSA) in providing Access to Justice for Alabama’s poor.
Access to Justice, Now More than Ever
This President’s Page article by Alabama State Bar President Tom Methvin appeared in the September 2009 issue of The Alabama Lawyer magazine. In it, Mr. Methvin outlines his plans to emphasize Access to Justice, including the Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP) during his term as Bar President.
ASB Responds to Mortgage Foreclosure Crisis
Since foreclosure filings continue to increase throughout the state, Alabama State Bar President Mark White of Birmingham recognized that we need more lawyers to assist consumers with foreclosure issues in these tough economic times. I was asked to chair a six-member Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force to focus on ways lawyers could deliver pro bono assistance to distressed homeowners.
The Poffenbarger Decision - AAJ
An article published recently by Beasley Allen environmental attorney Rhon Jones examines the Supreme Court’s recent decision in a case regarding the measure of direct, compensatory damages for injury to real property. The article, titled The Poffenbarger Decision, was published in the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of the Alabama Association for Justice Journal. The case is Poffenbarger v. Merit Energy Co., 972 So. 2d 972 (Ala. 2007). Jones reviews the decision, in which the Supreme Court recognized the need for the rules in property contamination cases to be flexible in their application, and discusses how it applies to damages for real property.
Workers
Beasley Allen attorney LaBarron N. Boone recently addressed a continuing education seminar aimed at attorneys, benefits professionals, safety directors, business managers and other professionals concerned about the legal issues surrounding Workers’ Compensation benefits. Boone’s remarks explained how Workers’ Compensation statutes are applied to compensating employees who sustain injuries while working within the line and scope of their employment, as well as the types of compensation not provided for by this type of benefit program. This paper outlines these statutes, and also examines related issues of product liability, workplace safety, and the employers’ legal responsibilities for employees’ safety.
Dynamic Opening Statements
This presentation created by Beasley Allen attorney Chris Glover outlines how lawyers can be more effective when they present in jury trials. Points include making a good first impression in order to gain credibility with the jury, overcoming preconceptions or bias, and ways to present the most effective persuasive argument. This presentation contains examples from real cases and testimonies.
Rear Crashworthiness Wasted Space Wasted Lives
This document provides a photo documentation of the results of a rear crash test with the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier as the subject vehicle, and a Nissan 240 SX as the striker vehicle. Cavalier damage results are dramatic. The presentation also provides graphs detailing force deflection curves for front and rear Cavalier body structure.
Technology and Innovative Trial Exhibits
Jurors are a cross section of the local environment in the area of the trial. People receive most of their information about the world around them through television and the computer, and are familiar with getting information visually. Using trial presentation software in your product liability trial can help provide the juror with information in a way that’s easy for him to process, enhance your oral advocacy skills and make your presentation more effective.
Effective Opening Statements
That the opening statement is many times the most important stage of the trial. An effective opening statement can and will persuade the jury. In fact, every effort should be made to persuade the jury during that portion of the trial. Never assume that a juror will keep an open mind about your case during the entire course of the trial.
