A second set of trial eyes in your corner.
I take on a very small number of one-on-one consulting engagements each quarter with trial lawyers preparing a specific case for court. (If you want my complete trial-prep system right now without waiting on an application, start with Trial Command®.)
Built for attorneys with a case that has to be ready.
Trial is on the calendar
You have a trial date approaching and want an experienced trial lawyer to pressure-test your proof chart, witness order, opening, or closing before you step in front of the jury.
High-stakes discovery
You’re in the middle of depositions and motion practice and want to spot the evidentiary gaps while you still have time to fix them.
Either side of the “v”
Civil or criminal, plaintiff, prosecution, or defense, state or federal court. We focus on the elements, the record, and how your case lands on a jury.
One phase at a time, built around your trial.
Rather than trying to cram your entire trial into one marathon call, engagements proceed one phase at a time (or as a standalone intensive for a single phase), with zero obligation to continue to the next phase.
Direct & Cross-Examination Strategy
Great trials are won on the record before you ever stand up to argue. We start with your witnesses and your proof chart: deciding who you actually need to call, locking in the point of every direct examination, and structuring tight, concession-driven cross-examinations that wall off the witness’s escape routes.
- Proof/Element Chart & witness order review
- Direct examination structure & exhibit pairing
- Cross-examination chapter building & impeachment traps
Opening Statement & Case Themes
Once we know exactly what the witnesses and documents will establish, we build an opening statement that hooks the jury in the first 90 seconds, frames the story around the burden of proof, and inoculates your worst facts before opposing counsel can weaponize them.
- Core case theme & first-90-seconds hook
- Narrative structure & bad-fact inoculation
- Live delivery run-through & tightening
Jury Selection & Voir Dire Strategy
With your case theme and witness examinations locked in, we design a targeted voir dire strategy to surface the exact life experiences, biases, and attitudes that matter for your specific facts and lock in your cause challenges.
- Ideal vs. high-risk juror profile for your facts
- Open-ended voir dire questions that get jurors talking
- Cause-challenge framing & strike strategy
Standalone Strategy or Closing Argument Intensive
Already deep into trial prep and only want a second set of eyes on one specific piece of your case? Book a focused single-phase intensive for an Opening Statement Consult, Closing Argument & Damages Framing, or a Case Strategy & Proof Audit.
- Single-phase flat-fee engagement
- Pre-session review of your key outlines or drafts
- Concrete, actionable rewrites you can take straight into your prep
Simple, focused, built around your trial.
Send the short case inquiry
Tell me about your case, your court and jurisdiction, who you represent, your trial date, and which phase you want to tackle first. I personally review every inquiry.
Conflict check, scope & materials
If your case looks like a good fit, I’ll email you the Step 2 conflict-check and case intake form. Once conflicts clear, we scope Phase 1 (or a standalone intensive) as a clear flat-fee engagement, and you send over your key case materials, outlines, or drafts before we meet so we don’t waste a minute on background.
Work the phase live
We meet on Google Meet to pressure-test your strategy, rework your examination outlines or opening line by line, and leave you with a concrete courtroom game plan.
Decide the next phase
After we complete a phase, you decide whether you want to move into the next phase of trial prep together. Every phase stands on its own, with no long-term lock-in.
In his own words.
My two consulting sessions with Monica transformed the way I approached my most recent jury trial that ultimately resulted in a $4,370,000 verdict. Through her guidance, I completely restructured my trial preparation and presentation, and the difference in the courtroom was undeniable.
Monica has a rare ability to break down trial strategy in a way that is both practical and immediately actionable. Her insights helped me simplify complex issues, stay focused on what truly mattered to the jury, and present my client’s story with clarity and confidence.”
Matthew M. Loker, Esq. · Loker Law, APC · 1:1 consulting clientEvery case is different. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Straight answers.
I work with civil and criminal trial lawyers on both sides of the “v”: plaintiff, prosecution, and defense. Because my consulting focuses on case framing, direct and cross-examination strategy, opening statements, closing arguments, and jury selection, it applies across state and federal trial practice. If I don’t think I’m the right fit for your specific matter, I’ll tell you upfront.
Ideally 30 to 90 days before trial so we have time to take your preparation one phase at a time (starting with direct and cross-examination strategy, then moving into opening statement and jury selection). If your trial is less than two weeks away, grab Trial Command® ($197) first so your elements, witnesses, and exhibits are organized, and note your trial date and urgency in your inquiry below.
Yes. All consulting sessions are conducted remotely over Google Meet, and I work with trial lawyers nationwide. I provide trial strategy consulting focused on presentation, persuasion, case framing, and courtroom strategy; I do not act as co-counsel or attorney of record, and you remain solely responsible for local rules, filings, and governing law.
Consulting is scoped as a flat-fee engagement per phase based on what your case needs (such as an Opening Statement Consult, a Strategy Intensive, or Direct and Cross Outline Review), with engagements ranging from four- to five-figure investments depending on scope and trial timing. You pay for one phase at a time with no obligation to proceed to subsequent phases. However, most attorneys should start with Trial Command® ($197) and the Evidence & Discovery Organization Templates + 30-Min Walkthrough ($67) first. They give you the exact architecture I use on every case at a fraction of the cost of 1:1 work.
New tools and courses are on the way.
I’m constantly adding to the toolkit. Enter your email to be notified when new courses and tools become available.
to be louder.
You need to be
ready.
Apply to work with me.
Start with the short 7-field case inquiry on this page. It takes under 2 minutes and gives me a non-confidential snapshot of your case, your trial window, and which phase you want to pressure-test first.
Conflict-Check Disclaimer: Submitting this inquiry does not create an attorney-client or consulting relationship. Please do not include confidential or privileged details prior to a formal conflict check and executed Consulting Agreement.
Questions before applying? Email hello@monicaburkoth.com
Thank you. I personally review every inquiry. If your case looks like a good fit, I’ll email you the Step 2 conflict-check and case intake form.