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Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial LawyersAuthor: Sharif L. Gray and Nael A. Abouzaki
Trial lawyers do not become great overnight. It takes persistence, a relentless work ethic, a willingness to learn from mistakes, a burning passion for the craft, an authentic self, and the courage and vulnerability to enter the arena time and again. Those who become great trial lawyers also become great people. Through their work, they grapple with the realities of the human condition and in the process cultivate character, principle, integrity, leadership, strength, compassion, and perseverance. Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.(804) 915-1611TrialLawyers@RVATrialLawyers.com1210 E Cary St Suite 300-3Richmond, VA 23219 Language: en-us Genres: Education, True Crime Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Don't Just Assume That It's Nothing | Elliott Buckner (Personal Injury Lawyer)
Episode 55
Saturday, 18 April, 2026
The defense asks you a seemingly innocuous question, and it's tempting to assume that whatever their angle is, it's probably nothing. Elliott Buckner learned the hard way that even the most mundane motion can cause major headaches to your case, especially in the hands of a crafty defense lawyer. If it's not setting off alarm bells, look again. Ask for a second opinion. Ask your friends on the defense bar for their opinion. You can, and should, be collegial with other lawyers, but at the end of the day, we're all here to do the best for our clients. Be prepared.Elliott talks about his experiences with DUI cases, how different insurance coverage can affect your case, and his role as president of the the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA) during the pandemic. He reflects on high-profile cases such as the UVA shooting and VCU hazing incident, and the complexities of legal challenges faced in the education sector, particularly in Virginia, where contributory negligence plays a significant role.And we explore the importance of non-economic performers, which can be valued by your clients and juries just as much as the monetary performers."Is there a better feeling than standing up when the judge says, "Is the plaintiff ready?" "We are, your Honor." And it's your turn to go?I feel an immense privilege and responsibility to be there as the voice for my client. It's a lot of pressure, but that to me is the thrilling aspect of what we do."In this episode, we discuss:◼️ How collaboration among lawyers enhances the practice of law. You don't need to have your elbows up all the time.◼️ How homeowners insurance can cover unexpected incidents.◼️ Why contributory negligence in Virginia can be a barrier, but also has its advantages.◼️ Why high-low agreements can provide security for clients, and help you gain more trial experience.◼️ Identifying the value drivers that push your case forward.◼️ The maxim: "Don't be complacent. Don't make assumptions."Chapters00:00 Learning from Mistakes in Legal Practice09:09 The Importance of Community in Law12:06 Elliott's Role in VTLA 18:04 Handling High-Profile Cases: UVA and VCU Hazing20:52 Understanding Insurance in Legal Claims30:18 Legal Complexities in School Cases33:44 Understanding Contributory Negligence in Virginia37:12 The Importance of Trial Experience42:27 The Thrill of Trial Advocacy50:53 Lessons from Experience: Advice for Young LawyersCourtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.Thank you!Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki
