TRIAL STRATEGY & CONSULTING
When the case won’t settle, be ready for trial.
Behind-the-scenes trial strategy for lawyers headed into a courtroom they don’t visit often. You stay counsel of record. I help you walk in prepared.
or call (912) 275-8014
40+
felony jury trials, five of them murder
20+
years of criminal litigation
17
years of family-law litigation
Civil & criminal
jury trials, plus civil appeals
Who I work with
Criminal defense counsel — Headed to trial in Superior, State or federal court.
Family-law counsel — Preparing for a contested divorce or custody trial.
Plaintiffs’ firms — When a carrier refuses to pay and the case has to be tried.
Insurance defense and carriers — An independent read on exposure before mediation or trial.
Solo and small firms — A seasoned second set of eyes on the trial you didn’t plan for.
Services
02
Trial Themes, Discovery & Strategy
Trial themes and a theory of the case that hold from the first deposition to closing. A discovery plan built backward from trial: written discovery, deposition outlines and expert strategy. Then opening and closing outlines, direct and cross outlines, motions in limine, jury charges, and a trial notebook. For criminal, civil, and contested divorce and custody trials.
01
Independent Opinions
A written second opinion your client can weigh: the strongest theory, the facts that will hurt, realistic outcomes, and whether to try or settle.
03
Witness Preparation
Mock direct and cross of parties and key witnesses, including parents in custody cases, so the first hard question they hear isn’t in the courtroom.
04
Moot Sessions
Rehearse your opening, cross and argument for a jury or a bench trial before an experienced trial lawyer, and get candid critique while there is still time to change course.
05
Juries & Pretrial Publicity
AI-assisted and live mock panels to test themes and damages; venue motions, gag orders, publicity-focused voir dire, and Rule 3.6 counsel.
06
Co-Counsel at Trial
Second chair or co-counsel in the courtroom, by written arrangement with you and your client.
How it works
1 Call. A short, confidential conversation about the case, followed by a conflicts check.
2 Engage. A written engagement letter with a defined scope and a flat or hourly fee.
3 Deliver. Written work product and working sessions, on your trial calendar.
Background
- More than 40 felony jury trials, five of them murder
- More than 20 years of criminal litigation
- 17 years of family-law litigation, including contested divorce and custody
- Civil jury trials and civil appeals
- Federal criminal defense, including CJA appointments, S.D. Ga.
- Founding editor in chief, law school newspaper
- Graduate, USF Intensive Trial Advocacy Program
- B.A., English literature (journalism minor) · J.D., cum laude · LL.M.
Talk through your case
Tell me the court, the trial date and what worries you most. Please don’t send confidential details until we’ve cleared conflicts.
James Wrixam McIlvaine
5 Saint Andrews Court, Brunswick, Georgia 31520
The information on this page is not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every consulting engagement is subject to a conflicts review and a written engagement letter.