Q. Who are you?
A. My name is Jaime Escuder. I have a small law firm in West Texas, where I appear in both federal and state court. Before that, I was a public defender in Illinois, where I not only handled my own felony caseload, but also trained new lawyers in trial advocacy. My frustrations with the criminal justice system, as well as my desire to help defense attorneys overcome them, are what inspired me to create Trial Coach.
Q. Who do you help and how do you help them?
A. I work with trial lawyers. I meet them where they are and help them become winners by sharpening their skills and developing their personal style.
Q. Are you guaranteeing that I will win every case if I follow your method?
A. Of course not. Trial Coach is about training. It’s about earning a stellar reputation even on the cases that you lose. It’s about building confidence so that you go to trial when you should, and winning the cases that can be won. All of them.
Q. What qualifies you to coach me?
A. I’ve tested my approach both on my own cases and with others that I’ve coached. I’ve seen the results.
Q. I’m fresh out of law school. Am I ready for a coach?
A. Anyone can benefit from the advice of a good coach. Being right out of law school is a good time to start, since you haven’t developed bad habits yet.
Q. I’ve been practicing for thirty years and have tried hundreds of cases. Why would I need a coach?
A. Although the idea of coaching experienced lawyers is somewhat novel, the coaching of professionals is common in other fields. Coaches make sure that, whatever your profession, you’re as good as you can be. Even Rafael Nadal has a coach.
Q. Will you try my case with me?
A. Maybe. Of course, I can only do so with the consent of your client. If I agree to try the case with you, it will not be a function of Trial Coach. Rather, your client will have to retain me through my firm.