Trial Time: What Business Owners Need to Know Before Stepping Into Court

After months—or even years—of litigation, your trial date is finally here. As a business owner, you’re no stranger to high-stakes situations, but a courtroom is a unique environment with its own unspoken rules, expectations, and rhythms. How you prepare and behave during trial can have a meaningful impact on the outcome of your case—especially when a jury is involved.

Whether your case is being heard by a judge or a jury, understanding courtroom etiquette and your role as a party is critical. Here are five key points every business owner should know before stepping foot into a courtroom for a trial.

1. You Must Attend the Entire Trial—and Stay Engaged

Your presence at trial is not optional. Jurors notice everything, and they will take note if a party is missing or distracted. Jurors are required to be there—on time, all day, every day—and they expect the same from the parties. If you’re absent or inattentive, it can send the message that you don’t care about the outcome or respect the process.

Likewise, stay off your phone in the courtroom. Jurors are prohibited from using their devices, and they may resent seeing you scroll through emails or texts while they’re doing their civic duty. Even during breaks, be mindful—jurors may still be watching.

2. Do Not React Emotionally—No Matter What Happens

Trials are emotional. You’ve poured time, money, and energy into this case, and it’s normal to have strong feelings. But courtroom decorum requires restraint.

If the judge rules against you on an issue or the other side says something that feels deeply unfair, do not shake your head, roll your eyes, or show any visible reaction. Jurors are watching, and emotional outbursts can appear unprofessional or manipulative. It can also cause the Judge to reprimand you.

If you want to respond or clarify something, write it down and pass it to your attorney. We cannot speak out loud during proceedings, and trial is not the time to interrupt or editorialize.

3. This Is Not the Time for New Evidence or Witnesses

By the time trial begins, the window for introducing new evidence or witnesses has closed. Trial is about presenting and arguing the case that has already been built. Surprises are for television—not real courtrooms.

If you remember a document you forgot to share or think of someone who could help, do not bring it up during your testimony. Courts have strict rules about disclosure, and introducing new material at the last minute can possibly hurt—not help—your case.

4. Dress Professionally—And in Layers

Your appearance matters. You don’t need to wear a suit, but if you can, you should.  If you can’t, you should dress like you’re attending an important business meeting or appearing in front of a client. Your clothes should be neat, professional, and free of slogans, logos, or anything flashy.

Courtrooms can be chilly one minute and warm the next. Dress in layers so you can stay comfortable without distracting yourself or others during the proceedings.

Remember: Jurors are judging everything they see, not just what they hear. Your clothing, posture, attentiveness, and demeanor are all part of the impression you leave.

5. The Jury Is Always Watching

From the moment you enter the building to the moment you leave, assume that someone involved in your case—a juror, courtroom staff, opposing counsel—is watching. Jurors form opinions based on small details:  whether you smile politely, appear frustrated, show boredom, or behave as though you’re above it all.

Carry yourself with confidence, respect, and professionalism throughout the trial. Every look, sigh, and gesture communicates something. You want to reinforce, through your conduct, the message your lawyer is delivering with words: that you are a responsible, credible business owner who deserves to win this case.

Final Thoughts

Trial can feel foreign and uncomfortable, but you’re not doing this alone. Your attorney will be right there to guide and advocate for you—but you have a role to play too. Respecting the process, staying focused, and managing your demeanor will help make sure that your professionalism supports your case, not undermines it.

Stay tuned—over the next few weeks, we’ll be diving deeper into each of these points so that you can walk into the courtroom ready, prepared, and confident.