By Lucy Zelina

In Law360’s Expert Analysis Series focused on “Law School’s Missed Lessons,” Lucy Zelina shares her experiences and advice on supporting a trial team.

Most cases never go to trial. And when they do, especially for complex or high-value cases, a junior associate is unlikely to be standing up to give an opening statement or question key witnesses.

So, what is a junior associate’s role in trying a case?

In law school, if you were given the opportunity to learn trial practice at all, it was probably in a scenario where you were acting as a lead trial attorney – questioning witnesses, arguing objections, etc. But for many, those opportunities will not come until after a few years of practice.

Your ability to banter with an expert or bond with a jury is great, but as a junior associate, your ability to keep things organized, answer your trial attorney’s questions about the case on the fly, and handle whatever is thrown at you is better.

Read the full article on Law360‘s website or download the pdf below.