Another Real-Life Trial Preparation Tip

Here is another great real-life trial preparation tip that I have forgotten myself in the past: Check the weather the day before!

I am finalizing my preparations for a trial tomorrow in a car accident case in Baltimore County Circuit Court. According to weather.com, there is a 60% chance of rain tomorrow morning. So my trial prep now includes making sure I remember my galoshes, raincoat, and umbrella. It is hard to make a good first impression on the jury when you look like you wore your suit in the shower. From a performance perspective, it’s nearly impossible to be at your best when you have wet, cold feet. I know I look like a dork in my galoshes. A warm, dry dork. So I don’t care.

I highly recommend the overshoes that I wear (pictured), the Neos Villager. They come up well over the ankle, so they work great in rain or snow. They are more costly than simple rubber ones, but they work better and last longer. Mine were a gift (thanks, Mom!) but if they ever wear out, I will gladly buy another pair.

Also, it is important to have a way to keep your trial materials out of the elements between the car and the courthouse. Using my organizational system, this can be as simple as having a big plastic bag to put over my trial box to keep everything dry on the short walk from the garage to court.

Still, I will be happier if that 40% chance of good weather ends up being what happens.