Bartolotta Shares Secrets to Succeed in Closing Arguments
By Peter Goatz, 3L

"It was absolutely unbelievable in every regard," said Phi Alpha Delta Justice Eric Ganci who brought Mr. Vincent J. Bartolotta, Jr. to campus to speak Thursday, September 11, about tips on how to present a winning closing argument.

Mr. Bartolotta has honed his closing argument skills while winning multimillion-dollar verdicts throughout his decades long distinguished career as one of the Best Lawyers in America according to Woodward/White. Some of his favorable verdicts include: $150 million against the City of San Diego, $56 million against the County of San Diego, $35 million against Upper Deck, and $27 million against Cal Trans.

Mr. Bartolotta described closing argument as "what trial lawyering is all about." He spoke from his vast experience as a top trial advocate to a group of approximately 40 Phi Alpha Delta members and guests.

Exhibits are an important part of a winning case, which Mr. Bartolotta loves to use throughout a case. He expanded on the notion that there are no limits in closing arguments by encouraging students to be creative with their exhibits. "You're only limited by your imagination," he said.

Mr. Bartolotta hit on many of the structural points many students may have heard in their trial practice classes. For example, he discussed the principle of recency (jurors remember most what they hear first) and weaving your theme through your case from voir dire to closing. He broke it down to a more real world level for the group. He described his simplified method for constructing a closing. Mr. Bartolotta broke it down into three parts: the beginning, middle, and end.

The beginning is the point where the jury's attention level is highest. This is "what they've been waiting for," Mr. Bartolotta said. Advocates need to get the jury's attention and hold it throughout the closing.

The middle is where an advocate has to be strong and tell their story with conviction. He suggested taking the elements at issue and show the jury how you win.

The end is when you tell the jury what their job is and how serious they should take it.

Mr. Bartolotta's offered some quick tips to the group of students. For a good closing argument, he suggested: quoting scripture, telling jokes, imitating other people, and, above all, doing what works for you.

Unfortunately, Mr. Bartolotta's presentation ended early. Justice Ganci said that, "[Mr. Bartolotta] has graciously offered to conclude his presentation for us," and that details regarding his next appearance are being worked out.