In 2015, the ABA will publish Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands®: Courtrooms and Corporate Counsels. The original Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands® is a Library Journal “Best Business Books” winner, with over 300,000 copies sold.
We are asking legal professionals for help with the research for this new ABA book!
Please email your responses to TerriMorrison@kissboworshakehands.com or take this survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PK3X6C6 )
1.) Have intercultural communications issues ever affected your cases or contracts? Here is an example of the type of data we are seeking:
"A senior Japanese executive was called to testify at a product liability deposition in the USA. As his defense attorney, I realized during questioning that my Japanese witness felt obligated to take responsibility for a faulty component that his company did not make, but was integrated into his product. And every time he assumed the blame, my client bowed, apologized, and lowered his eyes. Fortunately, I am aware of Japanese cultural values and behaviors. I was able to help the witness understand the limit of his legal responsibilities in the USA, and modify his presentation. I could also prepare an explanation of the cultural behavior for the jury during voir dire, if necessary."
Miko Brown, Partner, Wheeler, Trigg, O'Donnell
Clearly, cultural traditions and values can influence legal proceedings - and their outcomes. Please email your anecdote to TerriMorrison@kissboworshakehands.com - or take the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PK3X6C6 )
2. Have you ever represented clients whose behaviors are legal in their country of origin, but are illegal in the USA? For example: bribery, usage of certain drugs, discrimination, bigamy, environmental or OSHA violations, etc. If so, please relate the situation:
3. Have you ever represented clients whose belief systems prohibit behaviors that are legal in the USA? For example: They cannot cut their hair, wear certain symbols or gold jewelry, touch the opposite gender in public, drink alcohol, work on specific dates, abstain from tithing or prayer, wear tattoos, etc. If so, please relate the situation:
4. In U.S. courtrooms, do you ask potential jurors culturally-sensitive questions? If yes, please give an example:
5. Have you ever committed a faux pas with an international prospect or client? If so, please relate the situation.
Your name and CONTACT DATA.
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Thank you for assisting in this research. Your participation grants usage for publication.