Sherry Knutson joined two other accomplished trial lawyers in a recent podcast episode of “IADC Speaks,” a production of the International Association of Defense Counsel. The episode focused on the speakers’ personal stories of trial losses faced throughout their careers, including challenges, regrets, and ultimate lessons learned. The lawyers stressed the importance of pretrial preparation, understanding the venue, delivering the right message, and why some of the greatest takeaways come from losses.

Sherry shared her first trial loss as a young associate, where, upon reflection, she learned how important it is to pay attention to every detail in the pretrial process, especially jury instructions and witness preparation.

“I learned you can realize really important things and learn a lot from a loss, and often you learn more from a loss than from a victory,” Sherry said.

Mollie Benedict is the “IADC Speaks” Podcast Committee Chair. Listen to the episode on Spreaker here.