On my 81st birthday, I found myself back in the courtroom, cross-examining a defendant and his ballistics experts in a murder trial—an unexpected chapter after winding down my practice as a senior litigation partner at Thompson Coburn. The experience underscored the reality facing many prosecutors today: While the nature of violent crime and defenses has changed, the need for hands-on training from experienced prosecutors has not.
Apr 15, 2026 2:52 PM CDT