As an attorney preparing for a trial can be somewhat of a stressful task. But as this is something that you have done countless times before we know that you won’t feel overwhelmed. Furthermore, it would also be easy for you to overlook the feelings that your clients may be experiencing. That is because even if you have gone through countless trials your client would not have. Therefore it is understandable for them to feel stressed out and overwhelmed. In that case, it is your responsibility to get them ready for this trial. That is because the more you prepare them the more confident they would feel on the day of the trial.
Explain The Entire Process
It is unlikely that your client would have to undergo a forensic psychiatric assessment. But it would still be a good idea for you to explain the entire process of a trial to them. This means starting from jury selection to ending with the closing argument. We know that it can feel unnecessary to go into such detail. But the more information they have the more at ease the clients would feel.
Therefore make the time to explain the entire process in detail to them. It would also be a good idea for you to explain the role they would have to play at each stage. If they passed the fitness for trial assessment then you can help them take the stand. You can do so by telling them what the experience would feel like.
Tell Them How To Behave
It is true that the client won’t directly interact with the jurors. But they should still keep in mind that the jurors would be watching everything that they do. Thus, that is why they need to behave appropriately at all times. This can overwhelm the client. That is because they can feel as if they are under the microscope at all times. But if this would encourage them to behave well then it is something that you need to do.
Help Them With Their Testimony
It would also be a good idea for you to help the clients with their testimony. That is because this way not only would they be familiar with what they are saying. But they would also be better prepared to handle direct examinations of their testimony.
As a lawyer, you have a lot invested in a trial. But for clients, they would have invested their entire life into this process. Thus, that is why they would be feeling overwhelmed. But keep in mind that it is possible for you to make them feel more comfortable.