--- title: 2026 April url: https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april --- # [2026 April](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april "2026 April") [![Advocate Apr26 cvr ezine](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/images/issues/2026/04-april/Advocate-Apr26-cvr-ezine.jpg)](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/ezines/2026/April2026/html5/Advocate-Apr26-issue.html) Articles in this issue: ## [Damages: An improvisational approach to jury verdicts](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/damages-an-improvisational-approach-to-jury-verdicts "Damages: An improvisational approach to jury verdicts") Thoughts on closing argument, risk, and letting jurors feel the loss [Brian Breiter](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/brian-breiter "Brian Breiter") ## [The defense spine expert](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/the-defense-spine-expert "The defense spine expert") How to dismantle the defense playbook in front of a jury [Byron J. Abron (B.J.)](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/byron-j-abron-b-j "Byron J. Abron (B.J.)") ## [Reining in field-trip immunity for schools](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/reining-in-field-trip-immunity-for-schools "Reining in field-trip immunity for schools") The recent decision in Jane Doe v. Mount Pleasant Elementary School District and the contours of liability for injuries sustained by a child on a field trip  [Haley Aanestad](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/haley-aanestad "Haley Aanestad") [Holly Boyer](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/holly-boyer "Holly Boyer") ## [More than just impeachment](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/more-than-just-impeachment "More than just impeachment") Expanding your trial toolbox with depositions using C.C.P. § 2025.620  [Jenna Edzant](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/jenna-edzant "Jenna Edzant") ## [Being a trial lawyer and parent](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/being-a-trial-lawyer-and-parent "Being a trial lawyer and parent") Q & A between three “Mama Lawyers” about the unique challenges facing parents who are trial lawyers [Maryann P. Gallagher](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/maryann-p-gallagher "Maryann P. Gallagher") [Mia Munro](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/mia-munro "Mia Munro") [Shannon H.P. Ward](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/shannon-h-p-ward "Shannon H.P. Ward") ## [Crafting powerful witness examinations](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/crafting-powerful-witness-examinations "Crafting powerful witness examinations") Witness examinations are built deliberately during depositions [Colin Jones](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/colin-jones "Colin Jones") ## [Jury selection + money](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/jury-selection-money "Jury selection + money") How to talk about big numbers without sounding like a billboard [Dan Kramer](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/dan-kramer "Dan Kramer") ## [The trial architect](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/the-trial-architect "The trial architect") How junior associates can set trials up to win  [Jordan Phillips](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/jordan-phillips "Jordan Phillips") [Matthew Freeman](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/matthew-freeman "Matthew Freeman") ## [Connection and civil justice in the age of fragmented truth](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/connection-and-civil-justice-in-the-age-of-fragmented-truth "Connection and civil justice in the age of fragmented truth") Take 12 people who have been living in fragmented, personalized information environments and guide them to a shared understanding of the truth [Courtney Rowley](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/courtney-rowley "Courtney Rowley") ## [Employment wage-and-hour class-action trials](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/employment-wage-and-hour-class-action-trials "Employment wage-and-hour class-action trials") Complex by nature, it’s your job to keep it focused, targeted and understandable to a jury [John Yslas](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/john-yslas "John Yslas") [Thiago M. Coelho](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/thiago-m-coelho "Thiago M. Coelho") [Tyler Woods](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/tyler-woods "Tyler Woods") ## [The impact of taxes on personal-injury settlements may surprise you](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/the-impact-of-taxes-on-personal-injury-settlements-may-surprise-you "The impact of taxes on personal-injury settlements may surprise you") Surprises at tax time like the non-deductibility of attorneys’ contingent fees can cause consternation to plaintiffs [Robert W. Wood](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/robert-w-wood "Robert W. Wood") ## [2026 presents threats and opportunities](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/2026-presents-threats-and-opportunities "2026 presents threats and opportunities") We face new challenges on the right to sue public entities, recover on behalf of abused foster children and adult survivors of childhood abuse. Homeowners rights also under attack [Nancy Peverini](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/nancy-peverini "Nancy Peverini") ## [Calling the defense’s bluff](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/calling-the-defense-s-bluff "Calling the defense’s bluff") It can be worth it to take that “too small” case to trial [Olivia K. Leary](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/olivia-k-leary "Olivia K. Leary") ## [April is National Volunteer Month](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/april-is-national-volunteer-month "April is National Volunteer Month") You’ll feel better and make friends for life when you volunteer your time [Griselda S. Rodriguez](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/griselda-s-rodriguez "Griselda S. Rodriguez") [Michelle M. West](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/michelle-m-west "Michelle M. West") ## [Understanding the Privette doctrine in premises and construction cases](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/understanding-the-privette-doctrine-in-premises-and-construction-cases "Understanding the Privette doctrine in premises and construction cases") Hiring of independent contractors followed by injuries on a job site will likely bring Privette into play [Clare Lucich](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/clare-lucich "Clare Lucich") ## [CAALA’s Political & Legislative Affairs Committee](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/issues/2026-april/caalas-political-legislative-affairs-committee "CAALA’s Political & Legislative Affairs Committee") We need team members on this important committee as we fight for the civil justice system [Elizabeth A. Hernandez](https://www.advocatemagazine.com/authors/elizabeth-a-hernandez "Elizabeth A. Hernandez")