Trial

Trial practice is a unique skill, forged by experience in high-pressure situations. Clients turn to Seyfarth when a case must be tried—not just managed or settled. Our team has tried criminal and civil cases across the country and is prepared to take on the most complex courtroom matters.

We approach cases with a trial-first mindset-developing affirmative defense early, shaping discovery around trial themes, and preparing witness and exhibits with a clear path to verdict.

We are bold, imaginative, and efficient. We know that the best defense is a good offense, we harness technology, and we believe there's no such thing as too much preparation. When clients need to protect their business, their reputation, or their freedom—we are ready for trial.

HOW WE HELP

We believe the best results are achieved when the opposition knows you are prepared to take your case to trial. That’s why some of America's most successful and innovative companies have entrusted us with their complex matters.

Our national Trial Team is a dynamic group of experienced jury trial attorneys who have successfully tried complex civil and criminal matters in state and federal courts across the country.

We understand how much is at stake for our clients when they are faced with a trial. From Fortune 500 corporations looking to set a precedent or win a bet-the-company case to startups with a first-ever trial date fast approaching, clients rely on our Trial Team to vigorously defend their interests.

Our lawyers have represented clients across diverse industries in trials covering a vast range of claims, including but not limited to:

• Employment class and collective actions, including complex discrimination, wage and hour, and ERISA compliance cases
• False Claims Act
• Single- and multi-plaintiff employment, including discrimination and harassment, wage and hour, and safety/OSHA issues
• Complex corporate transactions, including contract disputes, business torts and unfair trade claims, breach of fiduciary duty, and shareholder and director disputes
• Allegations of securities, commodities, and cryptocurrency fraud
• Civil and criminal RICO claims
• Mail, wire, and tax fraud
• Health care fraud
• Antitrust claims
• Conspiracy
• Patent, trademark, copyright, and other intellectual property issues
• Franchise, dealer, and distributor disputes
• Trade secrets and unfair competition litigation

Our trial attorneys are known for crafting compelling case narratives, able to prepare witnesses to testify effectively, frame persuasive opening statements and closing arguments, and present compelling facts and expert testimony in a manner that resonates with a jury.

Because we have successfully tried numerous cases to verdict, we can efficiently and effectively prepare your case for trial by customizing jury instructions, verdict forms, voir dire, and motions in limine, without having to reinvent the wheel. 

We also have deep experience with high-profile cases. Our team can help a client anticipate and proactively address media coverage, as well as shareholder or customer feedback. Seyfarth also has one of the most sophisticated Appellate teams in the country, allowing us to simultaneously ensure that appellate issues are adequately preserved at trial even as we focus on achieving the right verdict at the trial level.

OUR SERVICES

Our clients rely on our ability to consistently and confidently pick up a case at any stage and obtain favorable results, adding value at any stage of a case.

Original Trial Counsel. Ideally, we defend cases from the outset so that every stage of the litigation supports the path to trial. From carefully developing affirmative defenses early to leveraging discovery with an eye toward trial themes, witnesses, and critical exhibits, our Trial Team’s sophisticated understanding of how to try a case informs our work at every stage.

Takeover Trial Counsel. We also excel when retained to take over cases that other firms have litigated. When settlement negotiations falter or the court has denied a dispositive motion, members of our Trial Team frequently step in to handle the trial and ensure the best possible outcome. We are adept at quickly mastering the record, preparing a pre-trial and trial strategy, and collaborating with prior counsel to understand the case history so our team can hit the ground running.

Strategic & Collaborating Trial Counsel. Our team regularly works alongside in-house legal departments and other law firms to provide focused trial support or serve as strategic trial counsel. Clients rely on us to bring an experienced perspective on case themes, witnesses, and courtroom presentation as trial approaches.

THE SEYFARTH EXPERIENCE

Our team regularly calls upon the firm’s comprehensive Litigation Support and Project Management teams, which provide our clients with the latest technology resources for discovery, production, and trial needs, as well as eDiscovery and data management. This allows us to collaborate closely with clients, effectively manage trial budgets, and efficiently handle trial-related data management and electronic presentation of exhibits.

In-House Trial Graphics & Visual Strategy. Our Trial Teams work closely with firm-based graphics and visual presentation professionals to develop compelling demonstratives and courtroom presentations. These integrated resources reduce reliance on third-party vendors, create meaningful cost efficiencies, and ensure visual strategy remains fully aligned with trial themes.

Our Trial Team members share best practices, insights on particular judges and venues, track the latest and best trial management and presentation technologies, and develop innovative new trial strategies, tactics, and practices. We also maintain a valuable internal knowledge bank containing motions in limine, jury instructions, voir dire, and pre-trial orders.

This is important for our clients because it allows team members to stay up-to-date on trial practice and share work product for increased efficiency and state-of-the-art representation.