Consult
Complex cases involving large financial loss such as catastrophic injury, death, breach of contract and insurance disputes must be properly presented. Issues such as developing truthful and powerful story lines, themes, witness preparation, exhibit development and use of technology are vital in today's cases. Focus groups are a must in almost all significant cases.
Jude Basile began practicing law in 1982. Since 1994, he has worked with many of the top lawyers and trial consultants to develop a powerful method of successful preparation and trial of cases throughout the United States. The program was initiated by legendary trial lawyer Gerry Spence. The use of focus groups in a variety of forms including reenactment, group involvement, role reversal, scene setting, sharing and dynamics has led to success throughout the country.
Case consults are provided on an availability basis. Jude Basile will review your issues and make recommendations for case preparation such as focus groups, discovering powerful scenes and themes, story structure and development, cross examination and group formation in jury selection among others. He also can recommend other trial consultants he has worked with over the years to assist you.
- Powerful story lines
- Compelling themes
- Exhibit development
- Technology
- Witness preparation
- Group formation
- Focus groups
- Cross examination
Articles written by Jude Basile
- Trial Lawyers Tell the Truth
by J. Jude Basile
trial counsel in Howell Case
- Faculty Staff Training
by J. Jude Basile ('94)
"Bringing in Jude Basile was the best move I made on this case."
- Lawyer and co-counsel who received $11.5 million jury verdict
Presenter at the Bellie Seminar, 2011:
Of all the presentations, I had the strongest reaction to your & Tommy's voir dire demonstration. I was amazed, not that you would have different styles, but at how hugely different your approaches were. I recently saw two defense attorneys in Riverside (both members of ABOTA) conduct voir dires just like Tommy, and I had no idea that a plaintiff's attorney would interact with jurors that same way. When I was tracking him, at first I thought he was doing 90% of the talking, and I think he went on to exceed that. Earlier Amy Singer had talked about the crucial importance of jurors' "worldviews" -- Tommy didn't seem to be interested at all. Almost all closed-ended questions, showing little interest in the jurors as people. To me, it felt like a speech, almost disrespectful.
Your interaction with the jurors was a huge contrast. I was thinking it would have been great if the two of you had been videotaped, so this could be shown to new attorneys as examples of how to and how not to conduct voir dire. I've been poking around in Carl Rogers work recently, and how you handled yourself reminded me of him (and Gerry). Your inquiry, done respectfully, into the dad's loss of his child, sure seemed to have a strong effect on him and (as the Chinese lady and others reported afterward) on the rest of the jurors. I think your inquiry tells them that what they've experienced in life, especially pain, is important, and they can bring their full selves into the courtroom and the trial. Really creates a connection with you, and with each other (as they reported) -- really "forms a group."
Really nice work (my bias is strongly for human connection over manipulation). I don't know Mr. Spence, and never met Rogers, but I think they'd both be proud.
Best, Ed
Associate
Associations and joint ventures are also available at The Basile Law Firm to assist in the preparation and trial of a case. Cases are typically accepted throughout California and occasionally elsewhere in the United States. This allows the other attorney to remain "in" the case while having the benefits of experienced trial counsel. The Basile Law Firm will guide discovery and trial preparation. Jude Basile will participate fully in deposing key witnesses and experts and will be lead trial counsel.
Costs can be shared in a mutual agreement for the benefit of the clients. You can assure your clients that you are teaming with an experienced firm that has a proven track record. Your association with The Basile Law Firm will demonstrate your sense of caring and expertise to assure your client the best opportunity for justice. It will relieve your work load and give you time to devote to other cases.
Contact us to discuss how to joint venture on a case. It is an opportunity to provide funding or sharing of costs for experts, trial preparation and presentation. Clear lines of responsibility will be arranged up front. Sharing of paralegals and research attorneys is another advantage of this program. Many times lawyers wait until trial is imminent before seeking to associate a firm. It is best to associate us early, soon after you are retained. Early association allows for the best preparation and leads to a better chance for a fair settlement. Once the other side sees an experienced trial counsel is involved in the case, their evaluation changes. They know you will be ready, willing and able to proceed to trial with a proven courtroom advocate who holds a record of success in difficult cases.
Give us a call to see how you and the people you represent can benefit from this arrangement.
"I learned so much about reaching a jury when I worked with Jude."
- Co-counsel who received $14 million jury verdict
Refer
It is important for a lawyer to have the particular skill and expertise to handle serious injury and wrongful death cases. We are happy to discuss referral arrangements and explain how we will carefully evaluate your case.
We have paid millions of dollars to referring and associating lawyers over the years, pursuant to bar rules and regulations. We will always be available to keep you informed about the status of the case and any offers that have been made. You can refer your complex, catastrophic injury or death case and rest assured it will be handled properly. This will allow you to work on other cases that may be closer to settlement. You may attend any mediation or settlement conference of your choice.
It is important to understand our respective areas of expertise. Many lawyers and law firms that have an outstanding reputation and legal experience in one area will recognize a need for an experienced trial lawyer in the area of serious injury and wrongful death. The Basile Law Firm often refers people to areas outside of our expertise such as Family Law, Probate Law, Estate Planning, and Transactional Law. We have focused our practice on trials of significant damage cases.
Please call to see how we can help.
"One of the top trial lawyers in the country."
- American Trial Lawyers Association
"Thank You Jude for being you. I can't say enough about how you took the time to really get to know my frailly and friends, especially my husband's sisters and mother. To honor our emotions and feelings with so much respect. Losing my husband and the father of my children was the end of our world as we knew it. I felt that you could relate to my husband's live and the life that was taken from him. During the trial it was as if you understood the real person and felt what was right and not just about a settlement but justice for Scott and my family. It was a long journey from the fist papers filed to the verdict but you stayed strong for us and fought for what was right. I know this was a learning experience for all of us. The way the legal system works challenged us all. But you truly are the best trial lawyer when it comes to wrongful death. Fighting the big corporation, who could barely say sorry, like we would get over it in a few months? I will always be grateful and blessed that you reprinted our family.
Thank You,
Theresa K. "
