Should lawyers prepare their clients for testimony? Absolutely.

But preparation does not mean telling someone what to say.

In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Steve, Patty, Jimmy, and Alexa break down what real trial preparation looks like — and why it starts long before you ever step into a courtroom.

From correcting language habits in the very first consultation to organizing emails months before trial, the team shares practical strategies that separate prepared attorneys from those who simply “wing it.”

They also discuss:

• Why clients revert to their “lowest level of training” under stress
• The dangers of waiting until the courthouse steps to prepare
• Preparing witnesses remotely vs. in person
• How to structure testimony in clear, logical chapters
• Why you should always practice cross-examination with your own client
• And what happens when lawyers call witnesses they’ve never spoken to

If you’re a client heading toward court — or a younger attorney learning the ropes — this episode offers real insight into how strong trial preparation wins cases.

Because surprises in court are expensive.

⏱️ Chapter Markers

 00:00 – Introduction
 01:41 – Should Lawyers Prepare Witnesses?
 03:00 – When Trial Preparation Really Begins
 04:08 – Breaking Bad Language Habits Early
 06:00 – Reverting to Your Lowest Level of Training
 09:05 – Organizing Emails & Building Trial Strategy Early
 12:46 – In-Person vs Remote Witness Preparation
 17:00 – Zoom Hearings & Technology Pitfalls
 21:47 – Why You Must Prepare Every Witness
 24:25 – How to Structure Direct Examination (Chapters & Topics)
 29:02 – Repetition, Drilling & Reducing Surprises
 31:59 – Preparing Clients for Cross-Examination 

🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.

🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis
 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/RZbNPK0NvSA or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📩 Contact: sshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com
| (770) 939-1939
🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com

🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards

🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions
🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.
🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner
📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA