Behind the Bench: Courtroom Stories From a Retired Federal Court Clerk - Part 2

In this episode of the Legal Vixen Podcast, trial attorney Karren Kenney sits down again with retired federal courtroom deputy Lisa Bredahl for more hilarious stories from federal court.

After years of working alongside federal judges and managing jury trials, Lisa has seen just about everything, difficult lawyers, unpredictable jurors, unforgettable witnesses, pro se defendants, courtroom meltdowns, and moments when even the court staff struggled to keep a straight face.

Lisa shares some of her favorite courtroom stories, including:

-Two litigants who nearly came to blows when the judge left the courtroom

-The bizarre case that resulted in Lisa and a federal judge being sued over an alleged courtroom "panic button conspiracy"

-A luxury vacation lawsuit involving a safari, baboons, and one VERY unusual personal injury claim

-The attorney who tried to get out of jury duty, and ended up spending the entire day sitting in the jury room

-A criminal defendant representing himself who had to question himself on the witness stand

-Why talking too fast or talking over someone else can destroy your effectiveness in front of a jury

Lisa also gives attorneys practical advice about practicing in federal court, including one lesson every lawyer should remember: Be nice to the courtroom staff. She explains why courtroom deputies know far more about what's happening than attorneys may realize, and why being rude to a clerk, courtroom deputy, court reporter, or U.S. Marshal can leave an impression that lasts far longer than your court appearance.

Whether you're a trial lawyer, law student, future juror, or simply fascinated by what happens inside a federal courtroom, this episode gives you a perspective you rarely get to hear. For more about Trial Attorney Karren Kenney: https://kenneylegaldefense.us