What to bring
- 📁 Evidence binder with tabs: Exhibits, Timeline, Witnesses, Law/Rules, Orders
- 🗂️ 3–5 extra copies of key documents for judge/other side/your notes
- 🧾 Proof of service / delivery receipts for anything you filed or sent
- 📝 One‑page issue outline + relief you’re asking for (plain language)
- 🕒 Calendar, hearing notice, and prior orders
- 🪪 Photo ID; cash/card for copies/records
Tip: Put your most important exhibits up front; label pages; add sticky flags where you’ll cite.
Your flow: before • day of • after
Before
- Draft a 60‑second opening: issue → facts → ask.
- Practice: calm voice, slow pace, short sentences.
- Rehearse exhibit call‑outs: “Your Honor, Exhibit A…”
Day of
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early; silence phone.
- Address court: “Your Honor,” stand to speak.
- Answer only what’s asked; don’t argue with opposing counsel.
After
- Get a signed copy of any order before leaving.
- Calendar next deadlines immediately.
- Send courtesy copies as required and file proof of service.
One‑liners you can use
- Opening: “Your Honor, this is a request for [relief] because [key facts]. I’ll be brief.”
- Exhibit: “Your Honor, I’m offering Exhibit A, a [document] dated [date].”
- Objection (scope): “Objection, beyond the scope of the question.”
- Objection (hearsay): “Objection, hearsay.”
- Close: “For these reasons, I ask the Court to grant [relief].”