Entries by jpjames

Dumb Starbucks Brews a Trademark Battle

Starbucks’ lawyers have had their hands full, and not with steaming hot cups of coffee. The television network Comedy Central opened a Dumb Starbucks parody store in Los Angeles, complete with a green storefront sign boasting the words “Dumb Starbucks Coffee” and a Dumb Starbucks logo almost identical to the chain’s green, white, and black […]

Author Spotlight: 8 Tips on Promoting Your Book

This month, we wanted to feature an author who’s been actively promoting his book. James Publishing is revving up its book marketing, and we’ve seen remarkable results over the past two months. In addition to increased sales, we’re also experiencing increased excitement at the possibilities opened up by your ideas! Your input is invaluable to us, […]

Your Client Is Human Too—How to Communicate Tactfully with the Victim’s Family in a DUI Defense Case

Reaching out to the victim’s family can improve the way your client is perceived, but it can certainly backfire as you tread the volatile waters of grief and blame. Before extending condolences, consider defense attorney Patrick T. Barone’s DUI defense strategies for tactful communication from his book, Defending Drinking Drivers: “Sincere” Is the Operative Word […]

Juror “Truths” in Breach of Contract Cases

Regardless of where a breach of contract case is tried, jurors tend to bring common biases to the courtroom in this type of litigation. Whether you represent the plaintiff or the defendant, you must be prepared to deal with these six juror “truths,” excerpted from Dr. Karen Lisko’s book Proven Jury Arguments & Evidence: 1.      […]

8 Tips for Winning Suppression Motions

If the government’s case against your client is built on evidence that was uncovered during the search of a residence, a vehicle, or other place or property, you need to act promptly to protect your client’s interests. One of the strongest tools you have is the motion to suppress. Texas Criminal Forms will help you […]

Protecting Your Children During a Divorce

Holidays like Thanksgiving can be hard after a divorce, especially if a new custody arrangement has you spending your first holiday away from your children. Nicholas L. Bourdeau, author of The Determination of Income for Child Support, is a forensic accountant who specializes in child support and valuation and division of marital estates. His book […]

6 Tips for Building a Better Retainer Agreement

Many attorneys use short retainer agreements that address little more than the fees themselves. Personal injury fee agreements, for example, often are limited to one page. The realities of a sexual harassment case, however, can create all manner of complexities, particularly where the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure are involved. A one-page retainer agreement just […]

5 Proven Tactics for Challenging a Confession

A confession changes the entire complexion of a criminal defense case. At first blush, it may appear that your client’s best or only options are a guilty plea or cooperation against a more culpable individual. To forestall or even avoid the seeming inevitability of these options, consider these 5 tactics, excerpted from Thomas J. Farrell’s […]