SU Montgomery (Fall 2009) – The “Torts and Remedies” class members, led by Kathryn Dickey, J.D., Legal Studies Program Director, applied their newly- learned skills in a mock trial. The project actually began well before the trial date with a filing of the formal complaint and answer followed by the discovery process.

Students prepared opening statements, closing arguments, trial exhibits, and witnesses. The fact pattern for the project set forth the following scenario:

A patient, Fanny Ann Bulger, sought services from a well-known plastic surgeon, Dr. Goodlooks. After her surgeries, however, Ms. Bulger, was disappointed with the results. Really she felt as though everything had gone wrong. She then pursued legal action, in an attempt to remedy the situation. (Photo left: Fanny Bulger on the witness stand with attorney at counsel's table)

Ms. Bulger, the plaintiff, was dramatically portrayed by paralegal student Irene Gunter. Irene dressed for the part in the mock trial. She frequently cried while on the witness stand and had to stop giving testimony several times to place drops in her eyes, which were now chronically dry because of the poor surgery results. The plaintiff’s attorney was paralegal student Harry McCall. Harry was well prepared for trial and represented his client well. He managed to remain calm while under fire from opposing counsel.

Paralegal student Adrienne Robinson played the role of the defendant, Dr. Goodlooks. She was represented by paralegal student Kittie Robinson. Kittie prepared an excellent exhibit showing “before” the surgery and “after” the surgery pictures of Ms. Bulger. Kittie presented a great defense. (Photo right: Defendant's attorney, Kittie Robinson, has Dr. Goodlooks explain the photos.)

Paralegal student Sharanda Norman was a key witness for the plaintiff, citing that she was a nurse for Dr. Goodlooks who was present the day of Ms. Bulger’s surgery. Ms. Norman testified that Ms. Bulger looked “much worse” after the surgery. Tahirah Boone was a key witness for the defendant. Ms. Boone testified that she witnessed Ms. Bulger sign the consent form and she heard Dr. Goodlooks warn Ms. Bulger of all possible consequences of the surgery. She also stated that Ms. Norman was mad at Dr. Goodlooks, because she had been terminated for stealing drug samples just a few weeks before the trial. (Photo right: Harry McCall, Ms. Bulger's attorney, grills Dr. Goodlooks)

In the end, the decision favored the plaintiff, who was pleased to have won the case. Ms. Dickey served as the judge.

The key to a successful trial is preparation, and paralegals play a very important role in trial preparation.