Alex Alvarez, left, and Steven Geise, right, deliver their closing arguments at trial against R.J. Reynolds over the lung cancer an Oregon woman developed after decades of smoking Camel-brand cigarettes.

Portland, OR— Jurors Friday afternoon cleared R.J. Reynolds of responsibility for the terminal lung cancer an Oregon woman developed after decades of smoking the company's cigarettes, concluding what is likely the first in-person, state court tobacco trial in nearly a year. Rickman v. R.J. Reynolds, 19CV28636. 

As the last chance for a plaintiff’s attorney to speak to a jury before deliberations, a powerful closing rebuttal can be critical. And in a recent CVN webinar on closing techniques that led to a quartet of blockbuster verdicts, Fried Goldberg’s Joseph Fried detailed what he considers one of the most important considerations in preparing points for rebuttal. 

Plaintiff’s attorneys often have to overcome a jury’s tendency to engage in defensive attribution, or the mindset that the circumstances underlying an accident couldn’t happen to them. But in a recent webinar discussing Sean Claggett’s $16.4 million verdict for the traumatic brain injury a woman suffered in a slip-and-fall at a Lowe's store, Claggett and legendary trial consultant David Ball discussed how Claggett overcame that juror mindset, and flipped a potential weakness in the case to his advantage. 

Alex Alvarez delivers his opening statement at trial against R.J. Reynolds over an Oregon woman's lung cancer.

Portland, OR— Attorneys Tuesday sparred over whether R.J. Reynolds bears responsibility for a 46-year-old Oregon woman’s terminal lung cancer, during openings of what is likely the first in-person, state court tobacco jury trial since COVID-19 shuttered courtrooms across the country. Rickman v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., 19CV28636. 

Stock image. 

The coronavirus pandemic’s impact on the legal industry can be particularly hard for solo practitioners and small firms. Court closures and docket backlogs raise the hurdles a small office already faces in managing and clearing cases. That’s why, on Thursday, February 11, CVN will feature two noted attorneys who will share their advice on how to fine tune your solo practice so it successfully navigates the pandemic and thrives in the years ahead.