Jim Murphy

Claggett & Sykes

I am a graduate of the University of Illinois where I studied Art History. I am in my 21st year of practice as an attorney. Until the year 2023 my legal career has been exclusively defense litigation in Nevada. My wife Jessica is an attorney. She is a Public Defender and has recently retired to spend more time with our kids. We met in law school. We have three children, Colin (18), Jenna (14) and Katie (11). Colin is fast approaching the end of High School and will be attending the University of Arizona and entering this Fall. We like to travel. Jessica and I spend a lot of time helping our kids live their best lives and encourage their sports. I have been a skeet shooter since the 1990’s. I am currently the President of the Nevada State Skeet Shooting Association.

Managing the Case and Putting Constant Pressure on the DefenseManaging the Case and Putting Constant Pressure on the DefenseManaging the Case and Putting Constant Pressure on the DefenseManaging the Case and Putting Constant Pressure on the DefenseManaging the Case and Putting Constant Pressure on the Defense

Managing the Case and Putting Constant Pressure on the Defense

Drafting Complaints

  • Frame the Case with Purpose. Not just about Notice.
  • Know your audience.
  • Name All Parties.
  • Separate Claims.
  • Plead All Damages.
  • Plead Punitive Damages.
  • Be aware of specific rules for wrongful death cases.
  • Tell the Story from the Defendant’s wrongful conduct.
  • Plead jurisdictional facts to avoid removal.
  • Uses at Trial.
  • Don’t let it sit. File early.

Draft Jury Instructions and Written Discovery

  • Figure out what you have to prove.
  • Draft RPDs first and before the discovery period begins so they are ready to go the moment you can send discovery.
  • Save the Rogs and Admissions. Throw darts with these.

Review Initial Disclosures and immediately determine what you did not get.

  • Don’t sit on it and be lazy.
  • Did you get insurance policies? All of them?
  • Did you get a list of witnesses who can be deposed?
  • Did you get color photos?
  • Did you get actual documents rather than BS.

Send Letter regarding Disclosures and insurance policies. (always incomplete).

Send Written Discovery First Day Possible.

  • Ask for policies and procedures.
  • Add another request for insurance.
  • Ask for all video and audio.
  • Ask for the Claims File.
  • Ask for Prior Incidents.
  • Work out any issues with a protective order. If they want one, you need a draft before discovery begins because you are likely to challenge it. Don’t just sign them. Make them file a motion. Work this out as early as possible.

Review Discovery Upon Receipt

  • Review Responses.
  • Did you get a privilege log? Does it comply with applicable law?
  • Did you get complete responses?
  • Did you get color photos?
  • Did you get video?
  • Are the objections boilerplate? Always will be. This is not permitted in most or all jurisdictions.
  • Defense attorneys are taught to not respond and lazy lawyers tolerate it.

Prepare Good Faith Letter or Schedule Call.

  • Some states require a letter. If so, do it within days of receipt of responses. Good practice to do one anyway.
  • Send letter and schedule a conference. Don’t leave it open ended. You give them 3 dates. If they do not respond, you call on all 3 of those dates.
  • Have your good faith conference and give a short, but reasonable time for a supplement.

File your Motion to Compel.

  • You will be filing these. It’s not if, but when. Get the Court on notice early about Defense games.
  • Get an Order for more documents.
  • If the production is still not satisfactory, then prepare a motion for an order to show cause.

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