Erich Vieth

Erich Vieth

Host of The Jury is Out

For more than thirty years, Erich Vieth has worked as a trial and appellate attorney in St. Louis. His experience includes numerous first chair trials before federal and state judges and juries. He has been lead author of many appellate briefs and presented oral arguments to both federal and state appellate courts.

Host of
Recent Episodes
March 22, 2023

EP419 – Selecting Experts Part Two

Your trial team determines you need an expert to explain a vehicle’s structural defects. Do you need a metallurgist, a mechanical engineer, or both? How do you know and where do you...

March 15, 2023

EP418 – Selecting Experts Part One

Don’t assume that an impressive CV from a prestigious university means you’ve found the perfect expert for your case. We think someone with down-to-earth communication skills and real-life experience may be a...

March 8, 2023

EP417 – Sunshine Laws Part Four: Settlements

Getting the documents your client requests is the primary reward of Sunshine Law litigation, but can you also be reimbursed for your time? In our final episode on Sunshine Laws, we discuss...

March 1, 2023

EP416 – Sunshine Laws Part Three: Violations

You’ve made a timely request for public governmental records but all you get are excuses. Under the law, you have to prove the delay is knowing and purposeful. How do you prove it...

February 22, 2023

EP415 – Sunshine Laws Part Two: Meetings

Do you know when and why a public governmental meeting can close its doors to you? What recourse do you have to find out what they are discussing out of the public...

February 15, 2023

EP414 – Sunshine Laws Part One: Documents

It’s one thing both sides can agree upon…government transparency is a good thing.  But getting access to government information isn’t easy. In Part One of our in-depth discussion on Sunshine Laws, Attorneys...

February 8, 2023

Encore Presentation: EP111 – Preparing Your Client for Trial

You know depos and trial testimony will be different experiences, but does your client? Are they expecting something straight out of a legal drama TV series when they take the stand? Today’s...

February 1, 2023

Encore Presentation: EP105 – Improving Client Intake

The best way to increase your odds of winning is to turn down cases you will probably lose.  What information should signal whether to lean in or walk away? And if you...

January 25, 2023

EP413 – For the Defense with Steve Strum

At a crossroads in your career, or just starting out, and wondering if you should choose plaintiff or defense work? Your level of risk aversion and emotional sensitivity may be key indicators...

January 18, 2023

EP412 – Nursing Home Litigation with Steve Strum

Did you know nursing homes and nuclear power plants are the two most regulated industries in America? Defense attorney Steve Strum is well versed in this complex practice area, having handled nearly...

December 28, 2022

SPECIAL EPISODE – Trial Tested: Do What’s Right with Cyrus Vance Jr.

District Attorney of Manhattan Cyrus Vance Jr. views every case through the lens of two basic principles; does it make us safer and is it fair? We’d like to share Simon Law...

November 30, 2022

EP408 – Quantifying Emotional Harm in Closing Arguments

Significant physical injuries may be visible to the jury, but emotional harms are not. Are you doing everything you can to help the jury understand and compensate your client’s emotional damages? This...

November 2, 2022

EP404 – Three Keys to a Winning Closing Argument

Tune in and turn your next close into a persuasive legal education that helps jurors better understand their role when deciding your case.

October 26, 2022

EP403 – Typography for Lawyers

Are you creating self-defeating typography by using underlines, caps, and fonts that make your argument less inviting to your reader? Author and attorney Matthew Butterick shares key points from his book Typography for...

October 19, 2022

EP402 – Old School Cool with George Fitzsimmons Part Two

If you’re looking for wise words from a respected mentor, this episode is for you. Through 33 years of trial experience and years as a mediator, George Fitzsimmons has distilled his cases...

August 17, 2022

EP329 – Nothing in Particular

Have you ever been forced to wear a tuxedo to court? Have a client kidnapped and tortured on a roof in China? Or watch your co-counsel perform life-saving treatment on a juror?...

August 10, 2022

EP328 – Persuasion Science for Trial Lawyers with John P. Blumberg

How Persuasion Science can lead to Successful Jury Verdicts. Ever wonder why the facts and conclusions of your case seem so obvious to you, but the jury rules the other way? Perhaps...

August 3, 2022

EP327 – The Authentic Lawyer with Brad Winters Part Three

Brad Winters started writing down insights, tips, and life tricks when he was a young man and continued making “notes to self” for decades. Now, as a respected attorney and mediator with...

July 27, 2022

EP326 – The Authentic Lawyer with Brad Winters Part Two

As a mediator for more than 600 civil cases, Brad Winters is an expert on the skill and science of mediation. Surprisingly, his goal is not to settle the case but to...

July 20, 2022

EP325 – The Authentic Lawyer with Brad Winters Part One

Authenticity matters in the legal profession

July 13, 2022

EP324 – Cognitive Science with Dan Holloway Part Two

Honesty and authenticity. Competence and trust. Cognitive science provides a research-based road map on how to project these positive points of connection toward judge and jury. Part Two of our conversation with...

July 6, 2022

EP323 – Cognitive Science with Dan Holloway Part One

Do you structure your case strategy based on the idea that our brains are designed for truth? You might be very wrong. In his book, Lawyers, Judges and Semi-Rational Beasts, Dan Holloway shares...

June 29, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP134 – Settlements Part Two

Strategies for Effective Settlement Negotiations

June 22, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP133 – Settlements Part One

Are you settling your good cases and trying your bad ones? Is sending a demand letter early in the case effective? And should you work up a case differently if you plan...

June 15, 2022

EP322 – Focus Groups

Uses of Focus Groups in Litigation Research - A Valuable Tool in Trial Law

June 8, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP102 – Opening Statements

Opening Statements are one of the most important components of any trial

June 1, 2022

EP321 – Whistleblower Cases with Tony Simon

A potential client believes their company or institution is defrauding the federal government. What should you know before you take the case? Business litigation attorney Tony Simon offers strategic insight into whistleblower cases...

May 25, 2022

EP320 – Tips for Depositions Part Three

Depositions play a key role in the litigation process. It is important for attorneys not to underestimate the power of good investigation, preparation and strategy.

May 18, 2022

EP319 – Tips for Depositions Part Two

15 Tips for a Successful Deposition - Planning, Preparation and Strategy

May 11, 2022

EP318 – Tips for Depositions Part One

Deposition Preparation and Planning for Attorneys. Tips to save time, better prepare your deponent, and clarify your argument for the jury.

May 4, 2022

EP317 – Things They Don’t Teach You In Law School Part Two

Things They Don't Teach in Law School—But Should

April 27, 2022

EP316 – Things They Don’t Teach You In Law School Part One

Law School doesn't teach you much about what it means to be an actual Attorney. So how can you better ready yourself to be a lawyer?

April 20, 2022

EP315 – Improvisational Skills Can Help Improve Your Practice

3 Rules Lawyers should follow when it comes to constructive Cross-examination and Improv Techniques

April 13, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP213 – Losing Sucks

Lessons from Losing: How to handle loss in a court case - because it’s not win or lose. It’s win or learn. 

April 6, 2022

EP314 – Theater in the Courtroom Part Two

Consider the courtroom as a live drama unfolding before you. How can you direct the characters to tell their most authentic story and utilize breathing, dramatic structure, voice control, and more to...

March 30, 2022

EP313 – Theater in the Courtroom Part One

What can Lawyers Learn from Actors? And the Best Techniques to Prepare your Clients for the Courtroom.

March 22, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP223 – Mentorship with Charla Aldous

“What matters most to us is effecting change.” That’s the philosophy of renowned trial attorney Charla Aldous and her firm Aldous\Walker. Charla Aldous is a trailblazer who also founded Athea Trial Attorneys,...

March 16, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP212 – Framing Your Case with Charla Aldous

If it’s a cause worth fighting for, Texas trial attorney Charla Aldous is ready. Ranked as one of the top attorneys in America for over two decades, Charla’s authentic, no-nonsense strategy for...

March 9, 2022

EP312 – Legal Services Part Two

Citizens are guaranteed legal representation in criminal cases which may impact their freedom. However, citizens are not guaranteed representation on issues regarding their physical and mental health, personal safety, government benefits or...

March 2, 2022

EP311 – Legal Services Part One

(Legal) Help Needed! Legal Services advances justice through free legal representation, education and supportive services.

February 16, 2022

EP309 – Appellate Law Part One with Joan Lockwood and Rich Finneran

Expert tips to winning your next appeal! Learn how best to preserve the record for appellate review and how to write an effective appellate brief.

February 9, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP104 – Mediation with Glenn Norton

Strategies for successful Mediation!

February 2, 2022

EP202 – Re-examine Your Cross-Examination with Patrick Malone Part Two

Cross like a boss!

January 26, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP201 – More Confident Cross-Examination with Patrick Malone Part One

Back by popular demand... Patrick Malone returns to help us take cross examinations to the next level!

January 19, 2022

EP308 – Deposing the Opponent’s Expert

Over a dozen questions & tactics to turn opposing experts into your best allies!

January 12, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP119 – Preparing Your Expert Witness for Deposition with Erica Slater

Is your expert witness ready for cross examination or will they choke under pressure?

January 5, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP108 – Selecting Expert Witnesses with Erica Slater

Don't get flat-footed by your own expert witness!

December 29, 2021

EP307 – How To Take A Deposition Part Two

Focusing on ultimate issues, handling evasive witnesses, and remembering key points.

December 22, 2021

EP306 – How To Take A Deposition Part One

Listen, adapt, and how to react when opposing counsel tries to intimidate.

December 15, 2021

EP305 – How to Prepare for a Deposition

Improve your prep and kill it in Depo!