Mistake#1 Finding Only the "Gist" Of the Case

Sometimes, an inexperienced lawyer is taken by surprise during a trial because they overlooked a detail in the disclosure. This occurs when the lawyer only superficially skims through the disclosure to get the gist. The correct practice is to conduct an extremely thorough review of the disclosure material for the success of any trial.

Mistake#2 Preparing a "Script" for Witness Examination

It might be sometimes useful to plan a list of questions to organize the approach during an examination or cross-examination. However, the mistake that a lawyer might make is to never deviate from that list of questions.

A lawyer cannot predict how a witness will react to any question during the trial. Therefore, they must listen to the witness' response carefully - their answers can give the case a whole new direction. Accordingly, the lawyer must come up with spontaneous and relevant questions that will help them delve deeper into the case history retrieve more information from the witness.

Mistake#3 Discussing the Case, Firm or Clients Matters Freely With Others

To discuss details of a trial, client matters or information about the firm freely with friends or family while assuming that the client or firm will never find out is a grave mistake. The clients demand confidentiality and the firm demands loyalty - without the two, a lawyer will not be able to gain credibility in the field of law.

Mistake#4 Not Respecting Deadlines

Some lawyers have a tough time adjusting to the strict working schedules many legal projects require. The consequences of not taking timely legal action can be drastically severe. No lawyer would ever want to be in a position where they have to explain to their client that the case was barred because they were "almost" ready with the complaint when the statute of limitations ran. Therefore, they must always, always, always be very careful about court dates and case deadlines.

Mistake#5 Expecting the Client to Pay When He Gets Out

This is often the most common mistake made by criminal lawyers. Unless a lawyer wants to do the case pro bono, they must ensure that their fee is credited in their account well before the actual date of trial; otherwise they will never get paid.

If you are facing a criminal trial and want to hire someone responsible and competent who will always be mindful not to make any of the above mentioned or other common mistakes, you must get in touch with an experienced criminal lawyer in Toronto.