Lawyers Worried that Diminishing Trials Are a "Dying Art"

The Tennessean reported an increasing trend away from settling disputes with a jury trial is raising concern among Tennessee attorneys about the decline of trial law. Darrell Townsend said "The paradox is you want to be able to train young lawyers, and having them try cases is the best way. ... At the same time, you are obligated to serve the best interests of your client, and oftentimes their interests are best served by not going to trial." Veteran attorney John Branham said, "I think the concern is it's kind of a dying art," noting that avoiding trials saves time for plaintiffs and money for "risk-averse businesses."