---
title: 2015 January
url: https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january
---

# [2015 January](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january "2015 January")

[![Advocate Jan15 cvr ezine](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/images/issues/2015/01-january/Advocate-Jan15-cvr-ezine.jpg)](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/ezines/2015/January2015/html5/Advocate-January2015-Issue.html)

Articles in this issue:

## [Opening statement: Creating a competitive advantage](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january/opening-statement-creating-a-competitive-advantage "Opening statement: Creating a competitive advantage")

The well-crafted opening statement can create unstoppable momentum

[Spencer Lucas](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/spencer-lucas "Spencer Lucas")

## [When the class-action case does not settle](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january/when-the-class-action-case-does-not-settle "When the class-action case does not settle")

Trying the class action is a new experience, but with a familiar feel – much like a regular trial

[Joshua H. Haffner](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/joshua-h-haffner "Joshua H. Haffner")

## [Don’t let the value of your trip/slip-and-fall case slip away](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january/don-t-let-the-value-of-your-trip-slip-and-fall-case-slip-away "Don’t let the value of your trip/slip-and-fall case slip away")

Your litigation plan must include establishing client credibility in addition to liability and damages

[Thomas Steven Feher](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/thomas-steven-feher "Thomas Steven Feher")

## [Non-economic damages: Destination to a fair outcome](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january/non-economic-damages-destination-to-a-fair-outcome "Non-economic damages: Destination to a fair outcome")

Strategies for substantial non-economic damages begin at early client meetings and continue through closing argument

[James DeSimone](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/james-desimone "James DeSimone")

## [Earnings claims and special vs. general damages](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january/earnings-claims-and-special-vs-general-damages "Earnings claims and special vs. general damages")

Asserting a claim for future loss-of-earning-capacity damages rather than future loss-of-earnings

[Nicole Lari-Joni](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/nicole-lari-joni "Nicole Lari-Joni")
[Torsten Bassell](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/torsten-bassell "Torsten Bassell")

## [Voir dire from the human perspective](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january/voir-dire-from-the-human-perspective "Voir dire from the human perspective")

The universal human experience and its role in voir dire

[Anthony Luti](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/anthony-luti "Anthony Luti")

## [Interview: Carl Douglas on “Jury selection”](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january/interview-carl-douglas-on-jury-selection "Interview: Carl Douglas on “Jury selection”")

A Trial Lawyer of the Year shares his experiences in voir dire

## [Keep it simple! A new model for trying a lawsuit](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january/keep-it-simple-a-new-model-for-trying-a-lawsuit "Keep it simple! A new model for trying a lawsuit")

TMI! The jury cannot focus on your important facts if you overload them with the needless and mundane

[John P. Blumberg](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/john-p-blumberg "John P. Blumberg")

## [The CAALA Plaintiff Trial Academy](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january/the-caala-plaintiff-trial-academy "The CAALA Plaintiff Trial Academy")

New lawyers get their feet wet by swimming with the rhinos. The new PTA teaches CAALA members how to try cases with the best of them

[Mike Arias](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/mike-arias "Mike Arias")

## [Duty calls](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2015-january/duty-calls "Duty calls")

Jury service – a learning opportunity

[Miles B. Cooper](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/miles-b-cooper "Miles B. Cooper")