21: Top 10 Trial Tips that Make a Difference, with Steve Wood
In Episode 21 of May the Record Reflect, veteran prosecutor Steve Wood joins us to share his ten favorite trial tips. He also talks about what he remembers about his first trial, his life in public service as the Delaware DOJ’s leading trial attorney, and the other reflections on living the lawyering life. Topics2:43 Tip #15:20 Why law?7:18 Tip #210:31 Recollections of his first trial13:08 Tip #318:08 Favorite part of trial25:04 Tip #427:15 Nerves and anxiety about trial28:34 Tip #532:49 Unwinding after trial34:16 Tip #638:34 Most agonizing career decision40:49 Public service careers45:36 Tip #748:36 A high-profile case I wish I’d tried49:56 Tip #852:28 Tip #954:03 Retirement54:30 Tip #1056:27 Signature signoff questionQuote“Somebody I taught with [at NITA] once said something I thought was brilliant, and it’s this: ‘Time is the measure of importance in the courtroom, whether you want it to be or not.’ And what that means is, we indicate importance by how much time we spend on something.” Recommended ResourcesSteven P. Wood (bio)America’s Constitution: A Biography (book)So Many Ways to Lose (book)Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass (book) Read NITA’s statement on the important of in-person advocacy in courts, here.