The Oklahoma Bar Journal November 2025

jury. Every inconsistency must be tracked perfectly. Saying “there is a lot going on” during trial is an understatement. And the day doesn’t end when court adjourns. Unless the jury has already reached a verdict, I’m back at the office preparing for the next day, reviewing witnesses, exhibits, openings, closings or motions. Sleep comes only when I barely remember my own name and somehow man age to eat something before waking at 5 a.m. to do it all over again. THE TOLL ON FAMILY The trial attorney’s spouse and family often bear the heaviest bur den. My wife would say that while pretrial is tough, I can still manage

the fear of forgetting an important issue, the fear of failure. I obsess over what I still have to do, over every detail of evidence and over how to present it. Even after all these years, I still feel utterly unprepared and terrified before each trial. It is also important to note that this cycle repeats. I may have to go through this emotional roll ercoaster several times before a case actually reaches a verdict. Some cases are delayed, post poned or dismissed, forcing me to restart the process. That means late nights with banker’s boxes of files, demonstratives, a laptop and constant neck and back pain.

INSIDE THE TRIAL Once a trial begins, something changes. Any trial attorney will tell you that after jury selection, when the judge finishes ques tioning, the prosecutor sits down, and I finally begin my opening, I suddenly feel at home. Despite the anxiety, stress and hyperaware ness, the courtroom becomes my stage. My back and neck still ache, but now it’s because I’m on the edge of my seat, ready to object at a moment’s notice. My mind is focused on every question and response. My client is overwhelmed by the circum stances, and I know my control is essential. I cannot allow even a sigh or frown in front of the

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL