Law Student Gets Reputation as Great Lay Witness

Over the past few weeks, those in Duke Law School's various Trial Practice classes have had to conduct extensive mock trials as their final project. Not only have these students prepared exhibits, argued motions and designed overall trial strategies, but they have also had to find and prepare witnesses.

As a result, Trial Practice participants have turned to their classmates to play the role of plaintiff, defendant, police officer, store owner and the various other characters that are part of these trials.

"I remember I was asked by my friend Blake [Moneta] if I could help him out by being the plaintiff Jesse MacIntyre in his trial," remember Duke 2L Claudia Weir. "Jesse was a poor housekeeper who, after being accused of stealing an expensive piece of jewelry by her rich employer, brought a civil suit for slander. The whole thing sounded like fun so I agreed."

After a few hours of reading the fact pattern and being prepped by Moneta, Weir was ready to testify. According to reports she performed incredibly.

"Oh my God, Claudia was out of this world as Jesse," proclaimed Moneta, breathing heavily due to his excitement. "She simply looked amazing tonight with her modest yet flattering dress and her minimal, though appealing, makeup. The jury couldn't help but find her credible."

"But as anyone who has experience knows," continued Moneta, "trials are more than just how a witness looks - it's about how a witness performs. Claudia played the part of Jesse beautifully, pausing for effect, dealing expertly with cross, and even crying when I brought up the painful incident of being accused of theft. I am on the mock trial team and can say without a doubt that Claudia's performance today makes her one of the best lay witnesses I've ever had."

After that first trial, Claudia's reputation as a tremendous lay witness spread throughout the law school.

"I remember hearing students whispering in the halls about how amazing Claudia is on the stand," stated 3L Amelia McAllaster. "Of course those students who had yet to find witnesses for their trials heard this and wanted her badly."

According to McAllaster, Weir was propositioned constantly to testify at various mock trials. She was approached at school, sports events and even during bar review. Sources report that some of the most desperate students promised Weir free food or other favors in exchange for doing what she does best.

"This one night while we were all bowling and this sad looking 3L comes up to Claudia and asks her to be his Brooke Thompson, a woman whose stepdaughter was allegedly murdered by the defendant, the daughter's angry ex-husband," recalled Jenny Chung, one of Claudia's bowling teammates. "Since Claudia was super busy and this dude looked like a total loser she of course said no. Even after being rejected, this pathetic waste of space began to beg and plead, even, get this, offering Claudia cash to play the part. It's amazing what guys will do for a lay witness."

Weir has been flattered that people have sought her out for their mock trials but worries that she is being pigeonholed.

"While I appreciate that I am getting all this attention, it has become a bit awkward being known as the girl who really knows how to perform in court," admitted Weir. "I do hope that people realize that I am more than just my perfectly presented demeanor, impeccable timing, and uncanny ability to extemporize."