A View from the Bench – Episode 6 – What Can Win or Lose Your Case at Trial
A View from the Bench | September 9, 2024
Washington, D.C. partner George Hazel and Houston partner Gregg Costa draw on their experience as both trial lawyers and judges to share their perspectives on what can help to win — or lose — a case at trial. In a lively exchange that includes substantial agreement as well as some notable differences of opinion, George and Gregg consider the relative importance of opening and closing arguments, expert testimony, jury selection, cross-examination, the presentation of a defense, the use of visuals, and — in what has become an increasingly rare event — the testimony of the defendant. Their discussion is interspersed with numerous examples from cases they tried or presided over.
HOSTS:
Gregg Costa is co-chair of the firm’s Trials Practice Group. Gregg offers clients a unique perspective as a former federal trial and appellate judge. His broad experience—having handled complex civil and criminal matters, at trial and on appeal, as advocate and judge—allows him to offer invaluable skills and strategic insights for both trials and investigations.
George Hazel is a partner in the Washington office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and a member of the firm’s Litigation and White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Groups. A former federal trial judge and criminal prosecutor, Mr. Hazel brings a broad range of trial experience, having presided over approximately 50 jury trials in federal court and handled 20 jury trials and 30 bench trials as an attorney in federal and state court. Since his return to private practice, Lawdragon has named him one of the “500 Leading Global Litigators” of 2024.