Over two and a half years ago, our firm was approached by a father in Winchester, VA, with a case that had been rejected by at least three other law firms.
We knew it would be a very challenging case, with very limited evidence. It was not a "typical" case with clear-cut medical or economic damages. Others would ask us over time why we said yes to taking it on, despite the odds and obstacles.
The short answer, of course, is because it was the right thing to do.
But beyond that, we measured this case from a different perspective: that the promise of accountability was the strongest argument for pursuing damages, to the tune of $20 million.
Still, there's the framing of an argument, and then there's being able to actually implement it in court and get a winning verdict.
Today we bring together the team whose remarkable efforts, starting in 2023, ultimately led to this significant result. Gray Broughton, Zachary Grubaugh, Nathan Hittle and Lara Bradshaw join Sharif Gray to share their perspectives on the preparation, organization, tackling the various stages of the case through numerous obstacles, and ultimately getting the result that they did, for a very deserving young man and his father.
This is the story behind the case.
"The days of evaluating cases like insurance adjusters needs to end." - Sharif Gray
In this episode, we discuss:
◼️ Why Gray recognized that this was a case worth taking on, when so many others wouldn't.
◼️ The moment when everything shifted, and the case became the firm's top priority.
◼️ Why focus groups provided the ultimate breakthrough that showed we had a solid case.
◼️ How we were able to navigate not having experts, only lay witnesses, in a case with very limited evidence.
◼️ How the firm was able to tap into individual strengths and come together for a consummate team effort, all while juggling other cases at the same time.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:32 The Case Comes to the Firm
05:20 Case Facts and Client History
09:15 Focus Group Insights and Case Framing
17:32 All Hands Trial Prep
27:55 Trial Logistics And Motions
38:39 Opening Statement Impact
48:36 Deposition Shock Questions
56:07 Expert Witness Takedown
01:02:39 Closings and Rebuttal Flow
01:10:46 Big Numbers Perspective
01:14:27 Key Takeaways Roundtable
Courtroom 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.
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Thank you!
Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki
