Overcoming bad press, he beat back Exxon's foes

Article Abstract:

David J Beck does almost exclusively defense work and prefers jurors from stable backgrounds, thinking their verdicts are more conservative, both in damages and liability. Beck's cases, which include both financial and moral victories, have been cited several times in the National Law Journal's annual list of the best defense wins. Beck also recommends investigating the defense side first, breaking up the opening statement with visual aids, and putting defense witnesses at ease before trial. The defense of a fraud case against the Exxon Corp in its pricing of oil and gas leases is described.

United States, Beck, David J.

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A lawyer who spins enthralling stories

Article Abstract:

Texas plaintiffs' specialist W. Mark Lanier believes a trial is an exercise in storytelling and throughout his preparation for a trial is looking for stories. Even Lanier's cross-examinations are through stories and the elements he looks for are a plot, characters, a villain and some kind of resolution. Lanier's use of this method was so adept in a 1998 asbestos personal injury case that the jury awarded his clients $115.6 mil. Lanier's biggest success was in a 1993 breach-of-contract case against Amoco Corp, where he won $500 mil.

Texas, Lanier, W. Mark

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