Mock Courtroom Part of Attorney John Conard’s New Woodbury Office

After three years in Woodbury, Attorney John Conard this week opened a new office at 7582 Currell Blvd.

One unique aspect of the new digs is a mock courtroom that mimics the look and feel of an actual courtroom so clients can feel better prepared to take the stand.

Patch asked Conrad about his practice.

Patch: When did you open the new Woodbury office?

Conard: I originally opened an office in Woodbury three years ago, but have experienced significant growth, and opened the new office just this week.

Patch: What’s the scoop with the mock courtroom?

Conard: I have historically handled trial cases where my client may have to testify. These are often serious felony cases. The difficult thing is that innocent people make horrible witnesses. It is scary and intimidating.

So, I like to bring them into a setting that duplicates the look and feel of a courtroom environment to prepare them for testimony. I first started this practice as a felony prosecutor, to help child witnesses/victims get comfortable with the process.

In addition, I am a member of the Trial Lawyers College. Often the lawyers from that college get together to work on new approaches, and each other’s cases. I now have an excellent facility to host those meetings.

Finally, I am hiring new lawyers. Mock trial training is invaluable, and necessary to prepare them. After all, every lawyer in my firm has to deliver excellent advocacy and legal advice.

Patch: Why did you decide to get into the law profession?

Conard: I like to fight for people.

I have been both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, and after beginning my career as a government lawyer, I wanted to build something that matched my view of professional excellence.

We are not a high-volume case mill; rather we make sure to treat each client and their case thoroughly, completely and individually. When I looked around, I felt like the best way to have a practice I could be proud of was to build it myself.

Patch: Do you have an interesting story about a case or client?

Conard:

http://abcnewspapers.com/2012/03/26/coon-rapids-man-arrested-for-oak-grove-assault/

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/03/26/man-suffers-severe-injuries-after-trying-to-break-up-fight/

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_20258015/oak-grove-fight-lands-one-jail-another-life

This is a sample of the press regarding my client’s case. Everyone had him pegged for guilty but in fact, it was my client who was defending himself.

After a hard-fought trial, an Anoka County jury agreed with me.

I had really come to like my client (as is always the case), and I was happy when we finally brought out the truth. But I have represented many people accused of these serious felonies, and it is always satisfying to help them through the process.

Patch: Anything else you'd like to add?

Conard: I really enjoy the east metro area.

Most lawyers who practice federal and felony work have moved downtown. I wanted to stay here, with convenient access, free parking, and a comfortable environment for my clients when they come to see me.

I don’t know if it matters, but I actually have federal cases here and in New York with some celebrity clients (a Playmate at this time).

I guess I am proud to be investing in Woodbury and the surrounding St. Paul/east metro area.