With Witnesses, Trust Is Key
Litigation attorney Daniel Small published an article in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly highlighting a core truth of effective advocacy: Credibility and results often depend on earning a witness' trust, not simply asking the right questions. Based on his experience investigating a public corruption and tax evasion matter involving a former Boston public official, Mr. Small recounts traveling to Italy to meet with a key witness who had returned to his hometown abroad. He explains how taking the time to build a genuine relationship helped secure the witness' voluntary return to the United States to plead guilty and testify. The article underscores that in high-stakes matters, preparation includes the human work of building rapport that makes truthful testimony possible.