Jason Keehfus delivers the closing argument on behalf of R.J. Reynolds in Elizabeth Smith's suit against Reynolds and Philip Morris. Jurors Monday found her claimed smoking-related diseases did not develop within the time allowed for membership in a class action against the companies. 

West Palm Beach, FL—A jury Monday concluded a Florida woman did not have cancer or respiratory disease within the time required for membership in a class action against the nation’s tobacco companies, clearing Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds of liability in her suit. Smith v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., et al., 2007-CA-023930.

Decatur, GA—Attorneys Wednesday sparred over responsibility for the strokes that caused lifelong brain damage to a Georgia woman, as trial opened in her husband’s suit against the emergency room staff that treated her. Evans v. Sutton, et al, 13A48465-4.

If Google is any indication, it seems nearly every attorney wants to improve in the courtroom.

Plug in the term “trial practice tips” and Google returns “about 11 million results.”

A search for “better trial practice” throws 20.8 million entries back to you.

“Cross examination techniques?” A whopping 5 million results.

Even something much more specific, “medical malpractice themes,” for example, delivers 131,000 pages.

These sites run the gamut of quality and relevance: from bar association-sponsored seminars featuring the best attorneys in the country to landing pages hawking poorly edited ebooks.

During opening statements Wednesday, Jordan Chaikin claims nicotine addiction fueled Martin McCall's 40-year smoking history. McCall died in 1992 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. His wife, Bernice, is suing Philip Morris for its alleged role in his death. 

Fort Lauderdale, FL—Attorneys Wednesday debated what drove an alcoholism counselor to smoke for 40 years until he died, allegedly from cancer-related complications, as trial opened in his widow's suit against tobacco giant Philip Morris. McCall v. Philip Morris, 2007-CV-036888.

Keri Arnold delivers closing arguments Saturday during trial in Ina Ahrens' suit against R.J. Reynolds and Arnold's client, Philip Morris. 

St. Petersburg, FL—Following a rare Saturday session, jurors imposed a $5 million punitive verdict against the nation’s two largest cigarette makers, capping a Florida widow’s trial for the lung cancer death of her husband. Ahrens v. Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds, 07-013535-CI-08.