People often think trials are won in dramatic moments. A sharp cross examination. A surprise piece of evidence. A closing argument that leaves the courtroom silent. Those moments matter, but they are not where cases are truly decided. In my experience, winning at trial comes down to three things that rarely make headlines: preparation, discipline, and focus.
After more than two decades trying cases, including some of the most serious and high profile matters in Oregon, I have learned that success in the courtroom is not about flash. It is about doing the work, staying grounded, and executing when it matters most.
Preparation Starts Long Before Trial
Preparation is the foundation of every successful trial. There is no substitute for it. Before a jury is selected or a witness takes the stand, countless hours have already been spent reading reports, reviewing evidence, studying prior testimony, and understanding the law that applies to the case.
Preparation means knowing your case better than anyone else in the room. That includes knowing the strengths, the weaknesses, and the uncomfortable facts you wish were not there. If you ignore the difficult parts of your case, the other side will not. Preparation allows you to confront those issues head on instead of being caught off guard.
It also means preparing for the unexpected. Trials rarely unfold exactly as planned. Witnesses say things you did not anticipate. Evidence comes in differently than you hoped. When you are fully prepared, you can adapt without losing momentum or credibility. Preparation gives you the confidence to stay calm and adjust in real time.
Discipline Builds Trust and Consistency
Discipline is what keeps a lawyer from overreaching. In trial work, it can be tempting to argue every point, object to everything, or try to win every small battle. Discipline teaches you when to push and when to step back.
Juries are always watching. They are paying attention not just to what you say, but how you say it and how you behave. A disciplined approach builds trust. It shows jurors that you respect the process and that you are confident enough in your case to let the evidence speak for itself.
Discipline also applies to how you prepare witnesses. Not every question needs to be dramatic. Not every answer needs to be perfect. A disciplined examination focuses on clarity and honesty. Jurors respond to authenticity far more than performance.
Over the years, I have learned that discipline often means doing less, not more. Fewer points, made clearly and repeatedly, are far more effective than overwhelming a jury with information they cannot absorb.
Focus Keeps You Grounded Under Pressure
Trials are stressful by nature. Stakes are high. Emotions run strong. Media attention and public opinion can add another layer of pressure. Focus is what allows you to stay grounded when everything around you feels intense.
Focus starts with understanding the core issue of the case. Every trial has a central question the jury must answer. Winning attorneys never lose sight of that question. Every witness, every exhibit, and every argument should tie back to that central issue.
It is easy to get distracted by side issues or arguments that feel important in the moment. Focus helps you recognize what truly matters and what does not. When you stay focused, your presentation stays clear and your message remains consistent.
Focus also means being present in the courtroom. Listening closely to testimony. Watching jurors reactions. Paying attention to the judge. Some of the most important decisions in trial happen in real time, and you can only make them if you are fully engaged.
Winning Is a Team Effort
No trial is won alone. Behind every successful courtroom outcome is a team that works relentlessly behind the scenes. Investigators, support staff, and co counsel all play critical roles. Preparation and discipline extend to how that team functions together.
Clear communication and shared goals keep everyone aligned. When a team is focused on the same outcome, the work becomes more efficient and the strategy sharper. Respect for each role creates an environment where issues are identified early and addressed before they become problems.
The Real Measure of Success
Winning at trial is not just about verdicts. It is about knowing you did the work the right way. It is about standing in front of a jury with confidence because you prepared thoroughly, acted with discipline, and stayed focused from start to finish.
Those principles apply whether a case is simple or complex, quiet or high profile. They are not shortcuts. They require time, effort, and commitment. But they are what separate consistent trial success from occasional wins.
At the end of the day, preparation, discipline, and focus are not just trial skills. They are habits. When practiced consistently, they lead to better outcomes in the courtroom and greater trust from the people who depend on you when the stakes are highest.