Gretchen Randall is a seasoned litigator who prides herself on being a caring, compassionate and dedicated advocate on behalf of her clients. She focuses her practice on complex medical malpractice claims, sexual assault and abuse claims and other claims involving catastrophic personal injury or wrongful death. She has tried numerous cases to verdict before Connecticut juries and has significant experience with bench trials. She has also briefed and argued appeals before the Connecticut Appellate and Supreme Courts.
Meet Gretchen Randall
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I think great lawyering is all about preparation. Many non-lawyers think of an attorney’s work as being centered in the courtroom, presenting a case to a jury. That is certainly part of what we do, but it’s actually a relatively small part.
A case begins years before trial. We spend a significant amount of time—particularly in medical malpractice cases—working with expert witnesses, identifying key records, and ensuring that we have all of the relevant medical records. We then take depositions of critical witnesses, including physicians and other healthcare providers whose care may be at issue.
I believe terrific trial lawyers share three qualities: preparation, professionalism, and poise. I don’t mean to be corny with the alliteration, but all three are extremely important in the courtroom.
Preparation means knowing the critical evidence and presenting it effectively through witnesses and documents. It also means being ready for cross-examination and anticipating challenges from difficult witnesses.
Second is professionalism. How you conduct yourself matters. You should present yourself with integrity and respect for both the process and the people involved. That includes the judge, of course, but also court staff, opposing counsel, and witnesses.
The reason professionalism is so important is that the jury is assessing you at every stage of the trial. Building credibility with jurors is essential, and professionalism also strengthens your own reputation and the reputation of your firm.
Finally, there is poise. Poise is the ability to react to the unexpected, and every trial lawyer must be able to do that. At some point during a trial, something surprising is likely to happen. A witness may testify in an unexpected way, or the judge may issue a last-minute ruling that changes your strategy or focus.
You have to adapt. You have to remain confident, calm, and composed. Once again, the jury is evaluating both you and your client’s case through your presentation.
View Transcript
I think great lawyering is all about preparation. Many non-lawyers think of an attorney’s work as being centered in the courtroom, presenting a case to a jury. That is certainly part of what we do, but it’s actually a relatively small part.
A case begins years before trial. We spend a significant amount of time—particularly in medical malpractice cases—working with expert witnesses, identifying key records, and ensuring that we have all of the relevant medical records. We then take depositions of critical witnesses, including physicians and other healthcare providers whose care may be at issue.
I believe terrific trial lawyers share three qualities: preparation, professionalism, and poise. I don’t mean to be corny with the alliteration, but all three are extremely important in the courtroom.
Preparation means knowing the critical evidence and presenting it effectively through witnesses and documents. It also means being ready for cross-examination and anticipating challenges from difficult witnesses.
Second is professionalism. How you conduct yourself matters. You should present yourself with integrity and respect for both the process and the people involved. That includes the judge, of course, but also court staff, opposing counsel, and witnesses.
The reason professionalism is so important is that the jury is assessing you at every stage of the trial. Building credibility with jurors is essential, and professionalism also strengthens your own reputation and the reputation of your firm.
Finally, there is poise. Poise is the ability to react to the unexpected, and every trial lawyer must be able to do that. At some point during a trial, something surprising is likely to happen. A witness may testify in an unexpected way, or the judge may issue a last-minute ruling that changes your strategy or focus.
You have to adapt. You have to remain confident, calm, and composed. Once again, the jury is evaluating both you and your client’s case through your presentation.
She began her career as a medical malpractice defense lawyer and spent greater than twenty years representing Connecticut hospitals, physicians and other health care providers against serious malpractice claims. This background has given her great insight into the most impactful ways to investigate and pursue these complex claims and now serves her well in advancing the important interests of her clients.
Ms. Randall takes enormous pride and satisfaction in her client-centered approach to each case. She recognizes the value of open communication in building strong client relationships. At the outset of each case, she strives to fully appreciate the scope and magnitude of the suffered harm or loss and works closely with each client to tailor the case strategy to their stated goals and desires. She volunteers with various organizations serving the military and their families and protecting underprivileged children.
Ms. Randall graduated cum laude from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with honors in English Literature. She earned her law degree from Indiana University School of Law, where she served as a Managing Editor on the Federal Communications Law Journal. She is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Connecticut.
