In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, Holland & Knight litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the use of legalese in the courtroom. He advises attorneys to avoid using too much legal jargon when speaking to jurors in a trial because it can be confusing and distance the lawyer from the audience. Instead, he suggests using plain English as much as possible in order to effectively communicate with jurors.

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Effective Trial Language Part 2: Legalese

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small reflects on the wisdom of juries demonstrated in the complex drug smuggling Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) case in Appling County, Georgia. He recounts the dramatic trial of Larry Jackson and his family, who were charged with money laundering and tax evasion. A key moment came when AZ Jackson, Larry's father, took the stand with a seemingly implausible story denying involvement despite overwhelming evidence supporting the opposite. Mr. Small's intense cross-examination exposed the truth, helping the jury deliver a verdict convicting all defendants – notably except AZ – on tax charges. Mr. Small's post-trial conversations with jurors about AZ gave him an opportunity to reflect on the profound insights they can bring, reminding lawyers how important it is to present clear, compelling cases while also focusing on what truly matters.

A Good Lickin'

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small examines the challenges of preparing witnesses for trial, emphasizing the importance of honesty and addressing unfavorable facts in advance. Mr. Small shares his experience working with Billy Breen, a former drug trafficker turned government informant in the Appling County, Georgia, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act case. He details the process of building trust with witnesses, explains how financial incentives and personal history can impact testimony, and highlights the strategy of bringing out damaging information on direct examination. The episode offers practical insights into effective witness preparation and underscores the value of transparency and credibility in the courtroom.

Bring Out the Bad Stuff

In this episode of "Clearly Conspicuous," consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta reviews recent trends in state-level consumer protection enforcement. He highlights notable actions by state attorneys general (AGs) across the U.S., from Florida's investigations into Roblox and Google's advertising practices, to multistate efforts against illegal electronic cigarettes, multimillion-dollar settlements in Illinois and California, and New Hampshire's lawsuit against Meta for addictive design features that allegedly harm teens. The discussion underscores how states are actively policing deceptive marketing, false advertising and emerging digital issues, often filling gaps left by waning federal enforcement. With investigations intensifying and priorities varying by state, businesses are advised to maintain high compliance standards and pursue transparent, ethical marketing to avoid legal risks and foster consumer trust in an evolving regulatory landscape.

Tracking Trends in State-Level Consumer Protection Enforcement

En este episodio de "A Lo Legal En Par Minutos", Edwin Cortés, socio, y Rossi Cruz, abogada que se desempeña en la Corte Constitucional, conversan sobre la consulta popular, un mecanismo de participación ciudadana en Colombia donde los ciudadanos son consultados sobre decisiones de trascendencia nacional. En este episodio, los abogados hablan sobre los diferentes escenarios de aprobación y recuerdan la consulta popular más reciente, la Consulta Popular Anticorrupción, que se realizó en 2018, así como el proceso que se agotó en el Congreso de Colombia este año para adelantar una nueva consulta popular, misma que fue rechazada en este órgano legislativo.

La Consulta Popular

In this episode of "Clearly Conspicuous," consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta discusses recent actions taken by state attorneys general (AGs) in the enforcement of consumer protection laws and regulations. His overview covers enforcement actions regarding deceptive advertising and fees in industries including Big Tech, social media, health and consumer products. Mr. DiResta reminds his listeners that state-level protection laws help provide a foundation for regulatory oversight, despite the shifts in federal enforcement priorities that can occur during the transition to new political administrations, meaning companies still need to stay aware of changes in compliance requirements that may affect their operations. 

An Overview of State Attorney General Consumer Protection Enforcement

En este episodio de "A Lo Legal En Par Minutos", el socio Edwin Cortés conversa con Juan Pablo Colom, abogado del área laboral, sobre el acoso laboral, tomando como referencia cultural la popular telenovela colombiana "Betty la Fea". Abordan cómo en la serie se reflejan conductas que hoy en día serían reconocidas como acoso laboral, a pesar de que en esa época no existían definiciones legales claras al respecto. Juan Pablo describe la evolución legislativa en Colombia sobre el tema, destacando normas como la Ley 10 de 2006 y la más reciente Ley 2365 de 2024, que amplían la definición de acoso laboral y sexual. También conversan sobre las responsabilidades empresariales, incluyendo el papel de los comités de convivencia laboral en la investigación y gestión de estas conductas, y señalan el aumento de denuncias por acoso sexual laboral en el país. El episodio ofrece una visión valiosa sobre los avances en la protección legal y las obligaciones de los empleadores para garantizar ambientes laborales seguros.

Betty, la fea y otras formas de acoso laboral

In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small talks about his experience prosecuting the Cammarata Organization while serving with the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Organized Crime Strike Force. Mr. Small explains how traditional organized crime groups struggled with the transition into drug trafficking, a business they once saw as off-limits. He details how the Cammarata group's excessive ambition and reliance on violence undermined their criminal enterprises, including failed international deals and brutal tactics that ultimately led to their downfall. This episode explores the realities of investigating organized crime, the economic principles underlying illegal enterprises and how prosecutors use evidence of violence to portray criminal organizations in court.

Too Dirty for Dirty Crime

In the 100th episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small introduces his listeners to Sam Cammarata, a career criminal who tried to follow his dreams and become the "Godfather of Houston." After brief stints in the Boston and New Orleans mafia, Cammarata decided to start his own criminal empire in Houston, Texas. With a nightclub as a legal front and a second-in-command with a love of violence, the Cammarata organization quickly grew more prominent and more profitable as it engaged in illegal activities such as bookmaking, loansharking, prostitution and extortion. As a prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice's Organized Crime Strike Force, Mr. Small was sent to Texas to help the Texas Rangers indict members of the criminal enterprise. 

The Godfather of Houston

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small explores the complicated dynamics of using informants in organized crime cases. Drawing from his prosecution of Sam Cammarata, Mr. Small explains how informants can both help and hinder investigations, especially when they manipulate their insider status for personal gain. He discusses the challenges prosecutors face in building persuasive arguments using informant testimony, tactics defense lawyers use to cast doubt on informant credibility and strategies that help reveal the truth in court. This episode offers insights into the delicate balance required to pursue justice when relying on those closest to criminal activity.

"I Was Just Playing a Role"

In this episode of "Clearly Conspicuous," consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta discusses strategies and techniques for defending an investigation by a federal or state consumer protection agency in the current political landscape.

He breaks the process into five phases:

1. understanding the landscape
2. discovery and information gathering
3. communication and relationship building
4. controlling the narrative
5. strategic resolution

Mr. DiResta emphasizes the importance of strategy, credibility and advocacy throughout the process, as well as securing counsel who will protect your interests while building rapport with government staff.

Effective Trial Language Part 2: Legalese

Holland & Knight Legal Podcast

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