24: Tips and Tales, with Legal Legend Dick Harpootlian

In Episode 24 of May the Record Reflect, we’re joined by legendary American trial lawyer Dick Harpootlian. He takes a moment out from representing Alex Murdaugh to describe the roundabout way he entered law and became one of the nation’s top trial lawyers, discuss what it was like to work death penalty cases and prosecute an infamous mass murderer, and reveal advocacy tips that have always brought him luck.Topics3:28 The accidental lawyer7:14 Winning . . . and losing8:48 Introducing Pee Wee Gaskins16:02 The life philosophy of a mass murderer20:28 Dick’s tips on jury selection25:18 Owning the courtroom and “the confidence to lose”26:56 Bushido in the courtroom28:36 High-profile cases and managing the media32:39 Traditional media versus social media33:42 The secret to deposing experts35:33 Nerves and emotions36:38 Pleasure reading and favorite shows38:11 Murdaugh case on Netflix?40:05 Volunteering for cases for trial experienceQuote“Check your fly before you get up, gentlemen.” Dick HarpootlianRecommended ResourcesDick Harpootlian (bio)The ‘Murdaugh Murders’: What to Know About the South Carolina Mystery Murdaugh attorney addresses “hysterical theories” in interview with Good Morning AmericaPee Wee GaskinsLincoln’s Last Trial, by Dan Abrams (book)The History of the Bushido Code: Principles of Samurai CultureFargoGoliath