

The Importance of Preparing for Trial
Discover why preparation is the key to victory at Calvert Law Firm. Learn how our commitment to thorough trial readiness delivers extraordinary results for our clients.
The Heart of Calvert Law Firm’s Litigation Philosophy
At Calvert Law Firm, we know that outstanding trial results are never an accident. Behind every major verdict, favorable settlement, or dismissed claim is the same unbreakable principle: preparation is the key to victory. Our attorneys have spent decades building a reputation as Oklahoma’s leading trial lawyers, and that reputation is rooted in relentless, strategic, and creative preparation for every case—no matter how large or small.
Why Trial Preparation Matters
Trial is the great equalizer. In the courtroom, no amount of marketing or reputation can substitute for mastery of the facts, command of the law, and the ability to connect with jurors. Yet the secret to success isn’t what happens on the day of trial—it’s what happens in the months and weeks leading up to it.
Thorough preparation empowers attorneys to:
- See the whole chessboard: Understanding every detail, every legal nuance, and every likely move by the opposition.
- Anticipate surprises: Identifying and neutralizing weaknesses before they can be exploited.
- Shape the narrative: Building a compelling, honest, and persuasive story that resonates with judges and jurors.
- Leverage negotiations: Parties who are genuinely ready for trial have the credibility and bargaining power to achieve better settlements.
- Command the courtroom: Confidence, adaptability, and poise stem from knowing the case inside and out.
At Calvert Law Firm, these are not abstract ideals—they are daily practice. Our attorneys have faced—and prevailed against—some of the most formidable adversaries in high-stakes business, insurance, and injury litigation. Each time, the key to victory was exhaustive, disciplined preparation.
Preparation as a Culture, Not a Checklist
Some firms treat trial preparation as a last-minute scramble. At Calvert Law, preparation is a culture embedded in every case from day one. We approach every case as if it will go to trial—because only by preparing for the toughest battle can you be sure you are ready for anything.
Our process includes:
- Early case analysis and investigation: Every strength, weakness, and open question is explored up front.
- Document management and evidence control: We organize, analyze, and stress-test every piece of evidence—never relying on “just enough.”
- Legal research and motion practice: Our attorneys leave no statute, regulation, or precedent unexamined, and use pre-trial motions strategically to shape the case in our client’s favor.
- Client and witness preparation: We work closely with every client and witness, ensuring their story is clear, their confidence is high, and their testimony stands up under cross-examination.
- Expert consultation: Whether the case involves business valuations, medical evidence, or technical subjects, we bring in leading experts to bolster our case.
- Jury research and focus groups: Understanding juror psychology and community attitudes is a Calvert Law specialty—see more in our Focus Groups page.
This commitment to preparation pays dividends long before trial, increasing the chances of early resolution and better settlements. But when the case does go before a jury, it means we are truly ready for anything.
Preparation Leads to Extraordinary Results
Calvert Law Firm’s history of record-setting verdicts and settlements is no coincidence. Our team has obtained:
- Some of Oklahoma’s largest jury verdicts (including the largest punitive damage award in the state’s history)
- Top 10 national verdicts, recognized by Lawyers USA and other publications
- Multi-million-dollar recoveries in business, insurance, and fiduciary duty disputes
Judges, peers, and clients consistently praise our “brilliant” preparatory work, noting that our thoroughness and attention to detail often determine the outcome. We do not rely on chance or reputation—we build our success on a foundation of relentless preparation and total mastery of the facts.
How Preparation Shapes Every Case
1. Early Mastery Shapes the Battlefield
From the very beginning, we identify the case’s pressure points—where the facts are in dispute, where the law is unsettled, and where the other side’s arguments are most vulnerable. By mastering these areas, we control the pace and terms of the litigation.
2. Creative and Strategic Planning
Preparation is not just about hard work—it’s about smart work. Calvert Law’s team brings together decades of experience, creative problem-solving, and insights gained from hundreds of trials. We conduct internal focus groups, simulate arguments, and even test how “unbiased” individuals react to our presentations.
3. Honest Assessment and Bias Checks
We recognize the natural biases that every party brings to a dispute. That’s why we regularly conduct focus groups and bring in outside perspectives, ensuring we see our own weaknesses as clearly as our strengths. Only by confronting inconvenient truths can we refine our case for trial.
4. The Power to Negotiate from Strength
Opponents know which law firms are truly ready for trial and which are bluffing. Our reputation for thorough preparation gives our clients leverage—often resulting in better settlements, faster resolutions, and fewer surprises along the way.
Why Clients and Referral Firms Trust Calvert Law
Many of Oklahoma’s largest law firms and litigation boutiques refer major cases to Calvert Law Firm. They know we prepare every case for trial—not just for settlement—and that we have the resources, skill, and tenacity to take on the toughest adversaries.
We regularly work alongside other firms as lead trial counsel or as consultants on trial preparation and strategy. Our ability to “see the case through a juror’s eyes” is a key reason for our extraordinary results.
Preparation is the Key to Victory—For Every Client
Whether you are facing a complex business dispute, a personal injury claim, an insurance battle, or a high-stakes appeal, your best chance of success comes from a team that prepares for every possibility. At Calvert Law Firm, we pledge to:
- Master your case as if it were our own
- Prepare for trial from the very first meeting
- Test our strategies, check our biases, and refine our arguments at every stage
- Keep you informed, confident, and ready for the road ahead
Preparation is not just what we do—it is who we are.
Ready to learn more about our unique approach to trial preparation or see how our focus groups deliver results? Explore our Trial Preparation and Focus Groups pages, or contact Calvert Law Firm for a confidential consultation.


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Years representing clients in complex litigation and business transactions since 1990.
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In total deal value negotiated across national mergers and acquisitions.
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Trial verdicts, settlements, and resolved high-stakes disputes across multiple states.
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