Oklahoma Paralegal Association March Lunch & Learn

Oklahoma Paralegal Association

What a “Blue Whale” of a Case Taught Me About Complex Commercial Litigation.

In 2022, a group of dedicated law enforcement began working on what became a whale of a case. One target moved about 70 tons of marijuana during one 10-day period. Another disguised a sprinter van to look like an Amazon delivery van. In less than a year, the operation seized over 30 firearms and more than 206,500 pounds of marijuana—roughly the size of an adult blue whale. And that was just the beginning.

Former Federal Prosecutor Wilson McGarry prosecuted this multi-state case, which required hard work, dedication, creativity, and tenacity. Mr. McGarry learned that the skills required by attorneys and paralegals to lead complex federal investigations and try cases to a federal jury are invaluable in civil or criminal practice and to protecting clients, both individual and corporate.

In high-stakes legal matters, the best defense truly is an offense that understands and anticipates the next move, knows what cards to play, and isn’t afraid of trial.

Learning objectives:

1. Provide guidance to paralegals on analyzing evidence and providing litigation support;
2. Explain how the strategic role of the paralegal in supporting the attorney on a complex case is paramount to a successful outcome;
3. Explain how the paralegal’s support in case at hand can translate to private practice and other areas of the law.

CLE HOURS = 1 Substantive