Trial Lawyer Prep: Recent Episodes
Elizabeth Larrick
What if you could hang out with trial lawyers and jury consultants, ask them about connecting with clients and juries more effectively; then take strategies, tactics, and insights to increase your success? That’s what we do each week on Trial Lawyer Prep. Hosted by Elizabeth Larrick - experienced trial lawyer, trial consultant, and founder of Larrick Law Firm PC in Austin, TX – every episode is an in-depth look at how to regain touch with the everyday world, understand the emotional burden of your clients and juries, and use focus groups in this process. The goal is to help you connect with juries and clients in order to improve your abilities in the courtroom.
In our last episode, we learned about Michelle Gessner's recent trial in North Carolina, where she was forced to pivot from a regular audio/video presentation, using modern technology, to a courtroom with no microphones, no TVs, no projectors and a single power outlet (already claimed by the clerk and the court reporter!).
Click here to catch Episode 170 and hear the back story for today's episode.
Michelle used AI to help adapt to this unexpected turn of events, asking it how to craft a visual presentation under these unique circumstances.
Today, we learn how it unfolded.
You could feel the courtroom change as the case progressed, and this was a quick trial: starting on a Monday, verdict by the end of day Tuesday. Literally two days.
In fact, there were some assets to the old-school, analogue approach: better eye contact with jurors, fewer distractions, and more movement.
Using what was learned from the focus groups before the trial, and the creative AI suggestions for presenting evidence, Michelle was able to correctly anticipate the jury's emotional reactions as the witnesses unfolded.
With AI helping between trial days to make sure she'd met her burden of proof, Michelle then gave her closing argument with foam boards instead of any PowerPoint slides or technology.
And the result: she won.
If you want more trial prep strategies just like this, but in more depth and delivered straight to your inbox, grab my email newsletter that I send out each month:
https://www.larricklawfirm.com/newsletter
In this episode, we cover: * How the visuals created with AI significantly engaged the jury. * Focus groups provided valuable insights for trial strategy. * How word choice is so important in your presentation. * Closing arguments were enhanced by using visuals instead of technology.
Remember to check out Episodes 128 & 129, featuring Michelle Gessner and her $21 million dollar verdict against Wells Fargo:
- Part 1 [Ep 128]
- Part 2 [Ep 129]
You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel:
AI During Trial: Jury & Verdict. Part Two with Michelle Gessner [Ep 171] Learn more about my guest Michelle Gessner: * https://www.mgessnerlaw.com/ * michelle@mgessnerlaw.com
Michelle Gessner is one of the few lawyers, if not the only lawyer, in North Carolina who has both Big Law and Big Company defense experience, as well as 10 years of employee-side employment litigation experience, which she has been nearly exclusively handling since 2015.
Michelle possesses a deep understanding of the many challenges employees face dealing with wage theft and other illegal employment practices.
Prior to its formation, Michelle gained extensive experience in all legal issues facing the retail, restaurant, and hospitality industries by serving as the Chief Litigation and Employment Law Counsel for publicly traded companies such as Family Dollar Stores, Inc. (FDO), Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI), Big Lots Stores, Inc. (BIG) and TriNet (TNET). Michelle also served as the SVP, General Counsel, and Chief Administrative Officer for Ovation Brands, a privately held $1 billion restaurant company.
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/newsletter
My guest today, Michelle Gessner, joined the podcast back in December of 2024, where we discussed her $21 million verdict against Wells Fargo.
Today she's back with the story of a recent verdict success in North Carolina, which suddenly hit an unexpected twist.
The case was planned out to make use of high tech video equipment and software, as you would find in a standard, modern equipped court room.
But then, it was moved to courtroom that had no technology; in fact, only a single outlet with extension cords.
No microphones, no TVs, no projectors. Just old-school visual tools: easels, display boards, pen and notepads, and the projection of your own voice.
So how does one pivot, and still incorporate the planned visuals and presentation? AI to the rescue! What was already a useful tool was now needed to address the extra challenge of creating courtroom visuals in a no-technology courtroom.
Michelle and I explore how she started by using focus groups to find out weaknesses, then identified what needed to be visual, how to be visual under these unique circumstances, and ultimately AI's creative suggestions. And the focus groups were the key, providing critical demonstratives to bring to life the evidence very early in the case.
If you want more trial prep strategies just like this, but in more depth and delivered straight to your inbox, grab my email newsletter that I send out each month:
https://www.larricklawfirm.com/newsletter
In this episode, we cover: * How navigating a no-technology courtroom requires creative thinking. * AI is a major asset in effective trial preparation, especially during sudden pivots. * Using checklists can streamline witness examination. * Objection-proof visuals are key to effective presentations.
Remember to check out Episodes 128 & 129, featuring Michelle Gessner and her $21 million dollar verdict against Wells Fargo:
- Part 1 [Ep 128]
- Part 2 [Ep 129]
You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel:
AI for Winning Courtroom Visuals: Case Study with Michelle Gessner [Ep 170] Learn more about my guest Michelle Gessner: * https://www.mgessnerlaw.com/ * michelle@mgessnerlaw.com
Michelle Gessner is one of the few lawyers, if not the only lawyer, in North Carolina who has both Big Law and Big Company defense experience, as well as 10 years of employee-side employment litigation experience, which she has been nearly exclusively handling since 2015.
Michelle possesses a deep understanding of the many challenges employees face dealing with wage theft and other illegal employment practices.
Prior to its formation, Michelle gained extensive experience in all legal issues facing the retail, restaurant, and hospitality industries by serving as the Chief Litigation and Employment Law Counsel for publicly traded companies such as Family Dollar Stores, Inc. (FDO), Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI), Big Lots Stores, Inc. (BIG) and TriNet (TNET). Michelle also served as the SVP, General Counsel, and Chief Administrative Officer for Ovation Brands, a privately held $1 billion restaurant company.
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/newsletter
What if our assumptions about modern attention spans aren't accurate?
We are all used to hearing that people have much, much shorter attention spans these days, thanks to social media, clickbait, algorithms, and a constant barrage of information.
While those things certainly represent a major shift in our day to day reality over the past 15+ years, that doesn't necessarily mean that we're paying less attention than we used to.
In fact, it's more of a rewiring of our brains, thanks to technology, leading to a state of continuous partial attention.
Why is this important to trial law, case framing, focus groups and understanding juries? Because understanding how our brains have changed will then help you package and present your case in a more intentional, and effective way.
When I work with lawyers and focus groups, we work very hard on your presentations to make sure that they're fitting our attention spans. To learn more about this process, book a free call with me: https://www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick In this episode, we cover:
- How continuous partial attention means our focus is shallow, but long.
- How brains cannot multitask; they toggle between tasks.
- Why visual aids should amplify concepts, not repeat them.
- How jurors can easily get lost during long presentations.
- Re-entry points in presentations are crucial for audience understanding.
Remember to check out Episode 144 of Trial Lawyer Prep, The 8 Second Rule That's Costing You Verdicts, to learn more about the brain science behind attention spans:
The 8 Second Rule That's Costing You Verdicts [Ep 144]
You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel:
Juror Attention Spans: The Science Every Trial Lawyer Needs to Know [Ep 169]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
For an effective discovery, case framing should start as early as possible. But be ready to pivot!
Don't let the other side get the jump on you in framing a case, and put you in catch-up mode from the start. You need to start framing a case at intake, especially for higher-value cases.
But, as our guest points out today, you also need to be ready and willing to pivot, should new facts arise, or if a new framing will in fact strengthen your case.
Tony Edwards is a personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma, and shares stories and wisdom from his decades of experience. We talk about a trucking case where digging into personnel records uncovered that the driver had previously been fired for on-the-job drug use, convincing Tony and his team to pivot to a stronger employer-focused theory, and a settlement at trial for the prior demand.
Focus groups are a great help for this kind of shift, since you'll instantly receive feedback on what works and what doesn't, and particularly what may go against your own assumptions and expectations. You then just need to be willing to adjust!
Early focus groups change how you build a case, and build a case frame. Book a free call with me and learn more about my online focus groups for plaintiff personal injury lawyers: https://www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick In this episode, we cover: * How discovery can significantly change the framing of a case. * That strategic questioning in discovery is key to uncovering information. * Pulling from real-world examples to illustrate the impact of effective case framing. * How focus groups can reveal unexpected insights about case issues. * That AI can assist but should not replace human review. * Why attorneys should not hesitate to seek help from peers.
You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel:
Using Case Framing in Discovery with Guest Tony Edwards [Ep 168]
Learn more about my guest Tony Edwards:
- www.edwardspattersonlaw.com
- tony@epinjurylaw.com
Tony Edwards was born and raised in McAlester, Oklahoma and has devoted himself to serving the legal needs of the people in his home area. He received his undergraduate degree in sociology and psychology from East Central University in Ada and then went to Oklahoma University College of Law, receiving his J.D. in 1982.
In 2006, Tony decided to that he wanted to create a smaller firm that would give him an opportunity to provide more personal service. The Edwards firm was born that year, and he has continued to concentrate on plaintiff's civil litigation. His practice today encompasses cases involving motor vehicles, nursing homes, defective products, and oil-field injuries. He has been involved in numerous mass-tort cases involving defective products.
Edwards and Patterson began in 2015 when he became partners with Matt Patterson. His efforts have resulted in numerous significant verdicts and settlements for his clients.
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
There is a crucial difference between timelines and sequences, and if you want jurors to see your case as plainly as you see it, you need to pay close attention.
Today we explore not just how timelines help jurors understand the case quickly, but why that is: the psychology and brain science behind retaining information. Timelines are a curated visual picture of the case, sequencing is about the order of presenting evidence.
Similar, yet each with their own distinct psychologies.
I know, not all lawyers use timelines, but they can be very effective, and focus groups help you recognize and fine tune what is most likely to register with juries. We want to make things as clear as possible for the jury, so don't lose your jury because you're jumping around the timeline. Logic, clarity and chronology that are structured and presented well can make all the difference.
If you want to test your timeline and sequencing presentation on a focus group, book a free call with me and let's get set up: https://www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick In this episode, we cover:
- How cognitive science shows that the first information is often assumed to be the first event.
- Why sequencing is essential for guiding jurors to a conclusion.
- How focus groups can help identify key events for timelines.
- Why overloading jurors with information can lead to confusion and undermine your case.
- Both timelines and sequencing are necessary for effective persuasion.
Further links and references from this episode:
Episode 158: Trial Strategy v. Trial Tactics
New Blog post: Which Virtual Focus Group does Your Case Need?
You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel: Trial Strategy in Action: Timelines, Sequencing, and What Wins [Ep 167]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Five days before trial, a team chose to play defense witness deposition clips, instead of calling the witnesses live.
Instinct tells us, training tells us: do it live. Live is better. Live is more persuasive. Live is much more catchy for cross exam. Video puts people to sleep.
However, what I walk you through today really boils this down to a primacy question, or in other words, first impressions. In the case above, focus group data showed that clips were having far more impact in setting the stage, and locking in that first impression. So the team pivoted, and the trial took on an entirely new phase.
Playing short clips produced visible juror annoyance, and later live testimony only confirmed the negative impression, contributing to a verdict of over $7 million.
The choice between clips and live testimony should be data-driven. It could mean using either clips or live witnesses, but the principle is this: don't just assume that live is better.
If you've got a trial coming up and a decision you're wrestling with, and you want to test it out to find the first impression, book a free call with me: https://www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick In this episode, we cover:
- How primacy affects jurors' first impressions significantly.
- Why live witnesses are traditionally seen as more persuasive.
- Understanding juror perception is key to trial success, and focus groups help guide that understanding.
- Testing witness credibility through focus groups is essential.
- Why the first impression of a witness is hard to change once set.
You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel: Depo Clips or Live Witness: The Call That Won the Case [Ep 166]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
AI has hit the mainstream, and not just in everyday life, but in trial law and legal prep.
The days of startups and experimental software have quickly evolved to comprehensive, through and reliable AI-based programs, used by countless law firms and lawyers every day.
As a result, it feels like we are racing to keep up. To jump on the bandwagon before it's too late, yet making sure you're using AI in accurate, and ethical, ways.
Matthew Fornero is a South Florida business litigator, with over 20 years of courtroom experience and a long track record of representing small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups in commercial litigation, contract disputes and arbitration. But what brings him to Trial Lawyer Prep today is his insight on using AI in trial prep and the courtroom.
Matthew has dedicated his time to learning different AI programs, applying them to different types of cases, and analysing the results. He is thus well-placed to detail with us specific platforms and strategies for using AI, that enhance trial outcomes.
AI serves as a collaborative tool, not a replacement for human judgment. But knowing how to integrate it into your practice can pay huge dividends in time, accuracy, the effectiveness of response and rebuttal, and ultimately: better results for you and your clients.
In this episode, we cover:
- The various aspects of AI application, including document review, jury instructions, and cross-examination
- AI helps lawyers distil complex cases into understandable narratives
- Using AI responsibly requires fact-checking and ethical considerations
- How to make sure you are choosing software that is conceptually proven, not just theoretical (looks good on paper)
- How AI can democratize access to legal resources for smaller firms.
Learn more about my guest Matthew Fornaro:
- https://fornarolegal.com/
- mfornaro@fornarolegal.com
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Running a good focus group is really a lot like conducting a good trial: Fundamentally, it's about understanding people. And you don't need a psychology degree to do so. If you have an innate understanding for human behavior, relationships, biases and different means of communication, then you already have the instinct to make the most of your focus groups. Today's episode breaks down three key steps to be organized and prepared for your next group. Armed with these tools, you can then hit the ground running and really connect with juries and clients. We cover: * Setting clear goals for focus group sessions * Developing a structured plan to ensure effective listening * Overcoming personal biases in focus group settings * Avoiding common pitfalls like overloading information and lack of organization * Conducting test runs to improve the quality of focus group feedback * Don't assume that you're a natural presenter; preparation is key * Make sure you're listening more than speaking * Seeking help if you're too biased to run a focus group
Set up a free consultation today: https://www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel:
3 Steps to Get Reliable Juror Feedback [Ep 164] Additional resources:
How to Do Your Own Virtual Focus Groups Part 2: Planning and Moderating
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Heading into deposition prep, your clients are typically nervous, anxious, overwhelmed and lacking confidence. They are most likely in a situation they have never found themselves in before, and undoubtedly the stakes feel very high. But we need to get them to focus, to remember, to think and answer clearly, and to let go of their fear and uncertainty. This episodes focuses on three clear, distinct strategies that also help you remember how to get the most out of your clients at this crucial juncture. Clients will feed off of not just your confidence, but your calm demeanor and encouragement. Elevate your practice with these insights for building a strong foundation in witness preparation. We tap into some fascinating brain science to help us all understand not just what to do, but why our brains, and therefore our emotions, function the way they do. In this episode, learn how: * Your working memory holds only three to five things at a time. * Fear can block rational thought and memory retention. * Using clear language and expectations supports and empowers clients. * Roadmaps help clients understand their roles in depositions. * Repetition is key to overcoming the forgetting curve. * Role-playing scenarios help your client feel comfortable and confident during deposition.
Links from this episode:
- Learn more about Hermann Ebbinghaus' Forgetting Curve (via growthengineering.co.uk)
You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel:
Improve Your Clients' Memory and Confidence With These 3 Techniques [Ep 163]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
We're all busy trial lawyers and specialists, typically juggling multiple cases at once.
Time management and organization is crucial, and we can't allow ourselves to get overwhelmed, to risk impacting not just the case but our own health and well-being.
It's worth taking the time to make sure your tasks and workflow are efficient, your calendar flows logically, and your habits are positive and healthy. Even just a few minutes' pause for retrospection and meditation can make a huge difference.
And I've been right in the thick of it lately myself! As a trial consultant, I was getting two separate trials off the ground here recently, and so was devoting a lot of time to helping those trials get their opening statements, hit lists, and order of proof ready.
This week's episode was one of the most popular of 2025, and features lawyer coach Dina Cataldo. Dina talks to us about the unique challenges lawyers face in managing their time effectively, the importance of mindset in overcoming overwhelm, and practical strategies for creating healthy routines.
Dina reveals methods like "Sunday planning," and setting time limits for tasks, to streamline workflow and improve efficiency.
And we talk about the unique challenges female attorneys face, balancing demanding careers with personal responsibilities, and provide strategies to enhance daily productivity and instill confidence.
In this episode, learn how:
- Lawyers need to treat themselves as humans, not robots. Implementing time management is key for anyone in the legal field.
- Self-awareness is at the core of managing time and reducing stress.
- Healthy habits, including nutrition, impact overall performance and help you get better results.
- Creating a structured plan can alleviate trial-related stress.
- You can avoid getting caught underestimating the time needed for tasks. Address internal resistance and developing a healthy relationship with time.
Links from this episode:
- Learn more about Dina Cataldo: https://www.dinacataldo.com
- Get Dina's Free Workbook: 3 Sneaky Problems Stealing Your Time and Productivity (and How to Fix Them Now!) https://dinacataldo.lpages.co/3-sneaky-problems/
You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel: Trial Lawyers and Time Management: Wisdom from Dina Cataldo [Ep 162]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
We know we live in an attention-deficit age, where attention spans and concentration levels are lower than ever. It's not just about social media though. These trends carry forward into every day life, including in the court room. We simply can't assume that just because the jurors are there and present, that they will necessarily be paying as close attention as we expect. It's human nature to start to drift away and think about something else when you're not otherwise captured by a subject, and there is fascinating brain science that demonstrates why! So today we look at ways to maximize your impact, grab hold of the narrative, choose the most effective facts and frame your arguments in a way that keeps jurors engaged and wanting more. Even the judge will notice this approach! And will appreciate how you started with the hook. In fact, you could say that regardless of the impact of social media doom-scrolling, understanding these persuasion techniques has been a winning strategy in courtrooms, and beyond, for generations. So, get to the point, cut the small talk, lean into the hook and the best facts, and remember who you're talking to: tailor your presentation so that it resonates with a juror's brain. Set up a free consultation today: https://www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick In this episode, learn how: * Mediation focus groups help assess case value and strategy. * Running focus groups early can provide critical insights. * Each focus group builds on the previous one for better results. * Timing is key; don't wait until the last minute. * Lawyers should commit to at least one focus group per case.
Links from this episode:
- Beyond Bullet Points: Using PowerPoint to tell a compelling story that gets results, by Cliff Atkinson
- Mark Lanier, Lanier Trial Academy - laniertrialacademy.com
You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel: The Hard Truth about Persuasion and the Lawyer Brain [Ep 161]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
You're not going to be one of those lawyers that only starts thinking about a focus group 30 days before the trial, right? To make the most of the power and impact of focus groups, work backwards through this three-phase roadmap that helps you plan and prepare. You will see, and feel, a remarkable difference in your confidence, arguments and ultimately, your case. Why three phases? This structure taps into the various stages of trial prep, and gives you focus groups that are appropriate and effective for the moment your case is in. Whether it's in Phase 1 (Discovery), Phase 2 (Settlement/Mediation), or Phase 3 (Trial), focus groups reflect juror attitudes, bias and weakness detection, theme and damages testing, witness credibility feedback, and help lawyers make better settlement-versus-trial decisions. Work with me to fine-tune this strategy and ensure you're getting the most out of your focus groups! Set up a free consultation today: https://www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick In this episode, learn how: * Mediation focus groups help assess case value and strategy. * Running focus groups early can provide critical insights. * Each focus group builds on the previous one for better results. * Timing is key; don't wait until the last minute. * Lawyers should commit to at least one focus group per case.
I also talk in today's episode about a common misconception we have on how decisions are made for mediation. There is a dedicated episode on this topic, Episode 142, which you can find here:
Avoid This Mistake if You Plan to Use Focus Group Clips in Mediation [Ep 142]
You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel: The Three-Phase Focus Group Strategy Every Trial Lawyer Needs [Ep 160]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
The jury selection process is changing and evolving. Are you willing to be bold and confront jury selection challenges head-on? This was a popular and very actionable conversation that I had with Sharif Gray last year, where we talked about what could be broken with your jury selection. We looked at assumptions and stereotypes that are often made, and I think it's a question worth returning to as we get deeper into 2026, when you may have trials coming up on the horizon. It could be very useful to consider these suggestions and tips when you're making important decisions on selecting, or deselecting, your jury members. Sharif turns the tables on many standard approaches and perspectives, and suggests that instead, we take potential concerns and weaknesses and turn them to our advantage. In so doing, you will demonstrate credibility, authenticity, trust and respect, for the potential jurors, the judge and even the defence. "We're there for fairness. So I'm looking for jurors who are going to do right by my client, but I'm also looking for jurors who are going to do right by the defense. Because it's not justice if you're going to close your eyes and just vote for my side every day of the week." - Sharif Gray. Sharif is a trial lawyer based in Richmond, Virginia, and the host of the Courtroom Stories and Tactics podcast, where he and his guests do deep dives on topics like voir dire, jury selection, the role of the legal system, and one of my favorites: focus groups! I was honored to be a guest on Sharif's show earlier this year. In this episode, you will learn about: * Challenges in Traditional Jury Selection * Building Credibility with the Jury * Starting Jury Selection Right * Effective Communication Techniques * Building Credibility in the Courtroom * Handling Juror Bias and Concerns
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Guest Sharif Gray of Broughton Injury Law.
Find Broughton Injury Law here: graybroughton.com
Reach Sharif personally at RVA Trial Lawyers: rvatriallawyers.com
Listen to Courtroom Stories and Tactics, by RVA Trial Lawyers: rvatriallawyers.com/podcast/
Find my episode on Sharif's podcast: Mastering Witness Preparation Method and Focus Groups | with Elizabeth Larrick (Trial Consultant)
The Voir Dire to Verdict training event is happening again! October 23, 2026. Click here for more info
Email Sharif: triallawyers@rvatriallawyers.com
You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: Traditional Methods of Jury Selection are Broken! with Sharif Gray (replay) [Ep 159]
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Are you confident in knowing the difference between trial strategy and trial tactics? Because ultimately the question is, does your jury understand what you're doing? Today, we're looking at how to identify a clear strategy as the overarching theme that guides the trial, followed by the tactics to achieve that strategy. There's a risk of confusing the two, including wasted time and causing confusion for jurors. The best strategies combine preparation and flexibility when you're in the courtroom. And remember, focus groups can test strategies early in the trial preparation process, showing you where to refine those strategies early. In this episode: * Confusing strategy and tactics can lead to juror confusion. * Tactics should be flexible and adaptable during trial. * Jurors expect consistency in case presentation. * Wasting time on tactics without a clear theme can cost cases. * Focus groups can help test and refine trial strategies early.
You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: Trial Strategy v. Trial Tactics: Why Lawyers Confuse Them and What it Costs You [Ep 158]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
"What part of this story just doesn't hit you right?" How would a potential juror answer that question? We're talking about gut feeling, instinctive reaction: something that's there, and they're trying to put their finger on it. These are very good avenues to explore in focus groups, and can uncover emotional and cognitive responses that you weren't expecting. Today's episode features three questions that are deceptively simple yet powerful in their nuance and framing. Successfully applying them will not only make your case stronger, but help you be much better prepared for what the other side is thinking as well. In this episode: * Strategic questions can reveal case weaknesses effectively. * There are hidden weaknesses in your case that you may not see. * Asking jurors to explain the case in their own words can uncover confusion. * Emotional responses are crucial in jury decision-making.
You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: Three Focus Group Questions You can Use to Reveal Hidden Case Weaknesses [Ep 157]
Are you a lawyer looking to run your own virtual focus groups? I have a free starter kit that can help you get started that includes checklists, questionnaires, confidentiality forms and more!
Use this link to download: https://elizabethlarrick.kit.com/diyvirtualfocusgroups
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
It's your favorite episodes, topics and themes from Trial Lawyer Prep in 2025, as reflected by the data: you know how much we love facts! I look at what you enjoyed the most, and why, with all the links below if you want to revisit or catch up on these episodes and their valuable information. I'm excited in 2026 to bring you more content on trial strategy, more inspiring guests, and useful tools that help us in our preparation as trial lawyers. I love providing advice and insight to help you present the best case possible, whether you're a long time listener or brand new to the podcast. And if you want to start off 2026 with a focus group, or you're curious about it, don't forget to book a free consultation call: www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
In this episode: * Discover the most popular episodes of 2025, based on your engagement. * Learn what were the three most listened-to topics of the year. * Find out why lawyers often underutilize their own focus group insights. * Remember that early focus groups can help in strategic thinking. * Going through focus group transcripts can hold valuable insights for lawyers. * Why the eight-second rule is vital for grabbing attention.
Top Guest Episodes:
Sharif Gray: Challenging Traditional Jury Selection Methods Ep 149
Ben Gideon: How Trial Lawyers can Better Assess Risk Ep 138
Dina Cataldo: Trial Management for Trial Lawyers Ep 133
Top Topic Episodes:
The 8 Second Rule That's Costing You Verdicts Ep 144
Rewiring Witness Prep: 3 Brain Science Strategies Every Trial Lawyer Needs [Ep 143]
What Trial Strategy Is and What it is Not Ep 131
You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: What Trial Lawyers Loved in 2025: Guests, Topics & Focus Group Trends [Ep 156]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more:
- www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
We're going back to the basics this week, asking, "Why do trial lawyers even do focus groups?" Focus groups are not primarily for determining case value or winning cases. Instead, focus groups provide valuable insights into jury perceptions, case weaknesses, and effective storytelling strategies. I share some real-life examples of effective use of focus groups, including a doozy of an example that, although it was a rough go, it left the lawyer with much more clarity on the path forward, and where to concentrate their time. In this episode, you will learn: * How focus groups help in understanding jurors' perspectives. * How focus groups allow for deeper conversations. * Why starting your opening in the right place is key. * The hidden attitudes that can be revealed by focus groups. * How to build a stronger case, thanks to the feedback you receive.
You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: Why Trial Lawyers Use Focus Groups, It's Not What You Think [Ep 155]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Elizabeth offers virtual focus groups with several options. Book a free call with the link below to find out the options for your case:
- https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't miss out on the additional free tips and strategies Elizabeth provides via email in her Trial Lawyer Prep newsletter. Sign up here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
In this week's episode, we're looking at a powerful and often overlooked tool for persuasion: side-by-side comparisons. Discover how this method can simplify complex information and sway jury decisions in your favor. I shares practical insights from my virtual focus groups, which offer strategic ways to leverage this tool throughout your case. Our brains respond intrinsically to visual comparisons, and I'll show you how to implement this tactic in opening statements, mediation packets, and beyond. Learn how side-by-side comparisons can become your secret weapon for a better case outcome. And book a free consultation for virtual focus groups using the link below. In this episode, you will learn: * How our brains always look for patterns, and how comparison is a powerful persuasion tool. * How our brains also crave easy decisions, and comparisons helps clarify positions. * How focus groups reveal jury preferences. * How to use comparison in your opening statements. * Why visual aids are crucial for understanding.
You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: A Powerful and Simple Persuasion Tool for the Courtroom [Ep 154]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Want to learn more about the virtual focus group Elizabeth does with lawyers? Schedule a free call:
- https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Today, we're talking about the advantages of using virtual focus groups to enhance jury selection, especially in jurisdictions with limited voir dire. I share a real-life success story where a lawyer used virtual focus groups and a detailed jury research chart to navigate a challenging trial with confidence. We then look at the nuts and bolts of how to conduct virtual focus groups, create insightful jury profiles, and maximize the value of focus group feedback. By analyzing qualitative data from focus groups, lawyers can identify potential jurors who may not align with their case, thereby making informed decisions during jury selection. This episode is a great starting point for learning practical strategies to better understand jurors, identifying their emotional engagement, and improve your overall trial strategy. In this episode, you will learn: * Creating a jury research profile helps identify unfavorable jurors. * Demographics alone are insufficient; life experiences matter too. * Judges may make impulsive decisions during voir dire. * Multiple focus groups enhance confidence in jury selection. * Transcripts from focus groups are crucial for extracting insights. * There is no perfect method for jury selection, but strategies can improve outcomes.
You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: No Voir Dire? Here's A Way to Create Your Own Secret Weapon [Ep 153]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources From This Episode:
Case Study: How Virtual Focus Groups flipped Disputed Liability (blog) Jury Selection: What's Broken With Traditional Methods? with Sharif Gray [Ep 149] Want to learn more about the virtual focus group Elizabeth does with lawyers? Schedule a free call:
- https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don't want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here:
- www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
In our last episode, we heard from Tim Bechtold, whose perseverance ultimately led to a verdict in Montana of over $27 million for his client. Today, we're joined by Tim's partner in the case, John Heenan, for his perspective on the process and the role he played in achieving the result, particularly as someone who joined late in the day to help push it over the finish line. We talk about how to approach the trial, the importance of adding someone new to a team for crucial fresh perspectives, and advice for working with conservative mentalities on juries and trial presentation. John emphasizes the importance of empowering jurors and leveraging collaboration to achieve results in the courtroom, while also reminding us of how we can measure success, keeping an honest assessment of our role in the outcome. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: The Art of Teamwork: Winning a $27+ million dollar verdict, with John Heenan [Ep 152] Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Guest John Heenan of Heenan & Cooke Trial Lawyers, Montana.
www.lawmontana.com
Contact John directly at john@lawmontana.com
Books recommended by John:
- Carl Bettinger, Twelve Heroes, One Voice: Guiding Jurors to Courageous Verdicts
- David Ball, David Ball on Damages, 3
- Nick Rowley and Steven Halteman, Trial By Human
Do you have an upcoming trial and want help writing your opening statement? Book a free call with Elizabeth to see how she can help.
Don't want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Tim Bechtold spent years fighting a a civil rights case involving a prisoner from the Montana State Prison System. In today's conversation, we look at the intricacies of the case, detailing the client's wrongful conviction, subsequent assault in a private prison, and the challenges faced due to procedural delays and missed deadlines. However, the perseverance of Tim and his team ultimately culminated in a favorable verdict and a reward of just over $27 million. Tim explains the importance of a focus group in shaping their trial strategy and reflects on the quick-paced nature of their trial, as well as the broader implications of justice and advocacy for marginalized communities. Tim Bechtold is a Montana-based trial lawyer known for his work in civil rights and environmental law. In this episode, you will learn about: * How the case of Nate Lake highlights systemic issues in the justice system. * How the verdict of over $27 million underscores the importance of accountability. * Why justice for marginalized communities often requires persistence and dedication. * The role of storytelling in trials that is crucial for juror engagement.
You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: Winning a $27 Million Verdict After YEARS of Fighting, with Tim Bechtold [Ep 151]
Follow and Review:
We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Guest Tim Bechtold of Bechtold Law Firm, Montana.
Contact Tim directly at tim@bechtoldlaw.net
$27.75 million dollar verdict (KRTV news)
Northern Cheyenne v. BIA verdict (Daily Montanan)
Tim's Environmental Work: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5416766
2025 Leonard Weinglass in Defense of Civil Liberties Award - AAJ: https://www.justice.org/membership/awards
2025 Montana Trial Lawyer of the Year Award: https://www.monttla.com/?pg=historical
Do you have an upcoming trial and want help writing your opening statement? Book a free call with Elizabeth to see how she can help.
Don't want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Our episode this week demonstrates why even small focus groups can go a long way towards saving your case. Running focus groups in discovery can accomplish a lot in even just 50 minutes, giving you data and analysis that you simply wouldn't have otherwise. I outline three specific types of focus groups that can save cases: neutral narratives, timelines, and deposition preparation. Each type serves a unique purpose in helping lawyers understand their cases better, identify weaknesses, and prepare their clients for testimony. We want our clients to do the best job possible, so why not give them a leg up and do a focus group test run, to help figure out where jurors will land on the testimony. In this episode, you will learn: * How focus groups can save your case during discovery. * Understanding jury perception is crucial for case strategy. * How fresh perspectives can break stuck thinking in cases. * Identifying assumptions early can guide case direction.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
You can watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: @ElizabethLarrick
Want to learn more about the virtual focus group Elizabeth does with lawyers? Schedule a free call:
- https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Are you willing to be bold and confront jury selection challenges head-on? Sharif Gray is here to share his perspective on jury selection, turning the tables on some of the assumptions and stereotypes that we often associate with the process and suggesting that instead, we take potential concerns and weaknesses and turn them to our advantage. In so doing, you will demonstrate credibility, authenticity, trust and respect, for the potential jurors, the judge and even the defence. "We're there for fairness. So I'm looking for jurors who are going to do right by my client, but I'm also looking for jurors who are going to do right by the defense. Because it's not justice if you're going to close your eyes and just vote for my side every day of the week." - Sharif Gray. Sharif is a trial lawyer based in Richmond, Virginia, and the host of the Courtroom Stories and Tactics podcast, where he and his guests do deep dives on topics like voir dire, jury selection, the role of the legal system, and one of my favorites: focus groups! I was honored to be a guest on Sharif's show earlier this year. In this episode, you will learn about: * Challenges in Traditional Jury Selection * Building Credibility with the Jury * Starting Jury Selection Right * Effective Communication Techniques * Building Credibility in the Courtroom * Handling Juror Bias and Concerns
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Guest Sharif Gray of Broughton Injury Law.
Find Broughton Injury Law here: graybroughton.com
Reach Sharif personally at RVA Trial Lawyers: rvatriallawyers.com
Listen to Courtroom Stories and Tactics, by RVA Trial Lawyers: rvatriallawyers.com/podcast/
Find my episode on Sharif's podcast: Mastering Witness Preparation Method and Focus Groups | with Elizabeth Larrick (Trial Consultant)
More info on the Voir Dire to Verdict training event, October 24, 2025
Email Sharif: triallawyers@rvatriallawyers.com
You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: Jury Selection: What's Broken With Traditional Methods? with Sharif Gray [Ep 149]
Do you have an upcoming trial and want help writing your opening statement? Book a free call with Elizabeth to see how she can help.
Don’t want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
We turn to focus groups for different perspectives, different viewpoints and unexpected interpretations.
But sometimes, these insights can really catch us off guard, even when we think we already know the case.
My good friend Sheila Wilkinson and I continue our conversation from Episode 147, and talk about why teaching lawyers to see their cases through fresh eyes changes everything.
Sheila has her own revelations about what focus groups really reveal, and shares her own unique insight as a combined licensed attorney, licensed social worker, educator and coach. Sheila loves to share her passion for teaching and the benefits of involving clients and their lawyers deeply in the focus group process, to improve trial outcomes.
We then share actionable advice for plaintiffs attorneys considering focus groups, and emphasize the relational and educational aspects of trial consulting.
In this episode, you will learn about:
05:15 Building Relationships with Clients 09:47 Advice for Attorneys Considering Focus Groups 15:24 The Importance of Lifelong Learning, and Building a Strong Team for Trial Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Want to learn more about Sheila Wilkinson?
Check out her website: sheilawilkinson.com
Book time with Shelia: Book Time With Me
Find Sheila on LinkedIn: @smwilkinson
Discover Sheila's podcasts:
Managing Client Disputes
Building Your Joyful and Thriving Lawyer Life
Do you have an upcoming trial and want help writing your opening statement? Book a free call with Elizabeth to see how she can help.
Don’t want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Why are focus groups so transformative to the legal field? Today I invited my friend and fellow lawyer Shelia Wilkinson for a "podcast takeover" - Sheila becomes the interviewer, and asks me about my background and what brought me to doing this unique work of running focus groups for lawyers. We look at the methods and motivations I use, the value of focus groups in legal practice, how groups help lawyers communicate effectively, identify key case elements, and enhance overall strategy. Focus groups can transform a legal practice by offering a clearer perspective and fostering confidence in your arguments - ultimately helping lawyers navigate complex cases more effectively. And stay tuned for part two between myself and Sheila, where more surprises and insights await! In this episode, you will learn about: * Assessing risk * Gaining certainty in trial preparation * Building better communication skills, and understanding nuances * How to identify key case elements * How to navigate complex cases more effectively
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Want to learn more about Sheila Wilkinson?
Check out her website: sheilawilkinson.com
Book time with Shelia: Book Time With Me
Find Sheila on LinkedIn: @smwilkinson
Discover Sheila's podcasts:
Managing Client Disputes
Building Your Joyful and Thriving Lawyer Life
Do you have an upcoming trial and want help writing your opening statement? Book a free call with Elizabeth to see how she can help.
Don’t want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Explore the importance of building confidence in clients for depositions in this episode of Trial Lawyer Prep, hosted by Elizabeth Larrick. Learn the difference between confident witnesses and ego-driven witnesses, and discover practical strategies for instilling confidence in clients ahead of their depositions. Elizabeth emphasizes using clients' words, co-creating preparation materials with them, and offering positive feedback. The goal is to help clients believe in their stories and communicate them effectively under questioning. We also look at the importance of role play and testing, to ensure clients are truly prepared for their testimonies. In this episode, you will learn about:
- Understanding Confidence vs. Ego in Testimony
- Building Confidence: Using Client's Own Words
- Co-Creating Documents for Confidence
- The Importance of Positive Feedback and Encouragement
- Role Play: Test Your Client's Confidence
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
You can watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: @ElizabethLarrick
Check out the latest ways to re-wire your brain for better deposition prep in Episode 143.
Book a free call with Elizabeth to pick her brain about deposition prep:
- https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Don’t want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Elizabeth welcomes Michael Schwarz, founder of Prairie Nation Creative, to discuss innovative approaches to creating settlement videos for trial lawyers. Michael, a seasoned filmmaker, shares his journey from film school to starting a company specializing in impactful legal videos. His company introduced the concept of 'Trial Trailers™ ' - concise and compelling videos designed to summarize case damages and liability, pushing for quicker settlements. Michael also talks about 'demand impact videos,' a more affordable alternative using online interviews for lower-tier cases. Additionally, they explore the challenges of engaging viewers, the importance of early evidence preservation, and how creative storytelling can significantly impact legal outcomes. Michael also touches on his passion project, the Abandoned Atlas Foundation, which focuses on documenting and preserving historic abandoned buildings, and provides another snapshot into his production style. In this episode, you will learn about: * The Concept of Trial Trailers * Demand Impact Videos as Affordable Alternatives * The Art of Video Editing and Storytelling * Addressing Lawyer Needs with Custom Videos * The Power of Video in Legal Cases * Importance of Evidence Preservation * Bonus! Michael's Abandoned Atlas Foundation
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Guest Michael Schwarz of Prairie Nation Creative.
Learn more about Michael Schwarz and the work he is doing: https://prairie-creative.com/
Email Michael: michael@prairie-creative.com
Watch samples of Michael’s work here: https://vimeo.com/prairienation
You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: A Fresh Take on Using Video for Case Settlement, with Guest Michael Schwarz [Ep145]
Do you have an upcoming trial and want help writing your opening statement? Book a free call with Elizabeth to see how she can help.
Don’t want to miss an episode? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for resources, tips and episodes by going here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
In this episode, Elizabeth tackles the challenge of capturing and maintaining attention in legal settings, emphasizing the importance of the critical eight-second window to engage audiences like judges, mediators, opposing counsel, and juries. Discover methods to simplify complex legal jargon and prevent cognitive overload, ensuring clarity in your arguments.
Elizabeth dives into crafting compelling trial strategies, focusing on the power of visual comparisons and thematic development in opening statements to effectively counter defense narratives. Whether it's contrasting visuals or structuring arguments to reinforce your points, these techniques will elevate your trial preparations.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Mastering attention in legal settings using the critical 8 second rule
- Simplifying complex legal jargon to avoid cognitive overload
- Utilizing visual comparisons and thematic development in trial strategies
- Structuring arguments effectively to counter the defense's narrative
- Emphasizing the rule of threes for clear and impactful presentations
- Integrating visuals with verbal communication for enhanced audience engagement
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Do you have an upcoming trial and want help writing your opening statement? Book a free call with Elizabeth to see how she can help.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Elizabeth explores the application of brain science in witness preparation, offering trial lawyers strategies to enhance deposition prep. This episode focuses on leveraging the limbic system and amygdala to reduce stress and improve memory retention, moving away from fear-based tactics. Elizabeth discusses the importance of engaging clients by addressing their concerns and shares methods to counteract the forgetting curve through repetition and structured sessions. Learn how to utilize technology like Zoom for virtual depositions and empower your clients with clarity and confidence.
Elevate your practice with these insights for building a strong foundation in witness preparation. Elizabeth highlights the significance of understanding and applying brain science to transform the way trial lawyers approach witness prep. By addressing the emotional and cognitive needs of clients, lawyers can create a more supportive and effective preparation process. The episode emphasizes the benefits of using technology and structured repetition to ensure that clients are well-prepared, confident, and able to retain crucial information.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Transforming witness preparation using brain science techniques
- Understanding the role of the limbic system and amygdala in reducing stress
- Avoiding fear-based tactics to enhance client memory retention
- Importance of repetition to combat the forgetting curve
- Structured preparation sessions and role-playing scenarios
- Empowering clients with confidence and clarity through tailored strategies
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Learn more about the Forgetting Curve
Need to earn CLE credit and learn more about witness preparation? Check out my in-depth presentation: Witness Prep That Works through ALI CLE.
Set up a free call to talk to Elizabeth about her witness prep services: www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Explore the potential of focus groups to elevate your mediation success with insights from Elizabeth Larrick. This episode is a must-listen for trial lawyers looking to refine their negotiation strategies. Elizabeth shares the strategic advantages of conducting focus groups two to three months before mediation to influence insurance company figures effectively. She distinguishes between focus groups for trial preparation and those tailored specifically for mediation, offering techniques to maintain confidentiality while utilizing focus group findings to drive better settlements.
Elizabeth emphasizes the critical importance of early preparation, providing ample time to share insights with the opposing side ahead of mediation. This proactive approach enhances negotiation effectiveness and informs decision-making.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Strategic use of focus groups to enhance mediation success
- Importance of conducting focus groups 2-3 months prior to mediation
- Differentiating focus groups for mediation from those for trial preparation
- Techniques for maintaining confidentiality while sharing focus group insights
- Leveraging mediators to communicate focus group findings effectively
- Early preparation as a key advantage in mediation strategy
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
In case you missed it, here is Episode 139 that talks about using focus groups in discovery. Listen here.
Curious about doing a focus group for your upcoming mediation? Schedule a free call to see how Elizabeth can help.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Unlock the tools you need to conduct focus groups and enhance your legal practice. This episode provides guidance for trial lawyers on how to gain juror insights without a psychology degree. We cover the fundamentals of setting clear objectives, planning structured sessions, and conducting test runs to avoid common mistakes. By mastering these skills, you'll be better equipped to connect with juries and clients, make informed case decisions, and overcome personal biases.
Elizabeth breaks down the essentials of focus group preparation. She shares tips and resources for those ready to delve deeper into focus group strategies. Whether you're assessing settlement options, evaluating expert testimonies, or seeking juror feedback, this episode is packed with advice to empower your legal practice.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Setting clear goals for focus group sessions
- Developing a structured plan to ensure effective listening
- Overcoming personal biases in focus group settings
- Avoiding common pitfalls like overloading information and lack of organization
Additional resources:
How to Do Your Own Virtual Focus Groups Part 2: Planning and Moderating
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Learn more about Joseph Rosenfeld
Website for Lawyers & Experts
Email: Joseph@Josephrosenfeld.com
Don't miss out on in depth webinars join Elizabeth's monthly Trial Lawyer Prep newsletter!
Join here.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In this episode, Elizabeth Larrick discusses the importance of using Zoom focus groups before discovery in trial preparation. She outlines the benefits of these focus groups, including setting the right direction for a case, avoiding wasted time on irrelevant claims, and utilizing feedback effectively. Through a case study involving a school district, she illustrates how focus groups can help identify critical information and prevent surprises during the discovery process.
Takeaways
- Using Zoom focus groups can set the right direction for a case.
- Focus groups help avoid wasting time on irrelevant claims.
- Even minimal information can yield valuable feedback from focus groups.
- Feedback from focus groups can be reused throughout the case.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Have questions about Zoom Focus groups? Set up a Free call with Elizabeth here.
Depositions Are Trial by Sach Oliver
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Join Ben Gideon as he explores the complex world of risk assessment in trial law. Despite their bold reputations, trial lawyers often lean towards risk-averse strategies, favoring settlements over trials. Ben reflects on his recent trial loss to analyze cognitive biases in decision-making and emphasizes the importance of embracing risk to secure significant verdicts.
Drawing parallels between trial law and high-stakes poker, Ben discusses how both fields rely on probabilistic thinking and expected value calculations. He shares strategies for managing risk across multiple cases, similar to a poker player handling various hands, and highlights the differing risk levels faced by lawyers and their clients.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Insights from Ben Gideon on risk assessment in trial law
- Exploration of trial lawyers' risk-averse tendencies and the impact of cognitive biases
- Parallels between trial law and poker strategies for managing risk
- Importance of data-driven approaches and probabilistic thinking in legal decision-making
- Balancing client emotions and cognitive biases during negotiations and mediations
- Psychological and emotional factors influencing legal cases and client decision-making
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Guest Ben Gideon of Gideon Asen
Email: bgideon@gideonasenlaw.com
Website: https://www.gideonasen.com/our-team/benjamin-gideon/
Podcast: https://www.elawvate.fm/
Books referenced in the episode:
On Edge: The Are of Risking Everything by Nate Silver
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter for a monthly email with resources, tips and helpful guidance for your next trial: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In this episode, Elizabeth goes into crafting authentic client testimonies to enhance courtroom success. She emphasizes avoiding scripted testimonies that erode credibility and offers strategies to naturally integrate case themes into client testimonies. Elizabeth outlines three key steps: avoid making clients memorize phrases, review their past statements, and conduct prep sessions to help them organize thoughts on damages or liability. This approach ensures that testimonies subtly echo case themes, maintaining authenticity and strengthening trial strategies.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Crafting authentic and impactful client testimonies for courtroom success
- Avoiding pitfalls of scripted testimonies to maintain credibility
- Integrating case themes into all trial stages, from jury selection to opening statements
- Strategies for making client testimonies resonate with jurors
- Emphasizing authenticity and emotional connection in witness preparation
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Have a challenging client or up-coming trial that you want to polish client testimony?
Book a free call: https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Episode 131: What is Trial Strategy and What it is NOT
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In this episode, Elizabeth shares expert insights on transforming your trial preparation with Zoom focus groups. Discover the unique benefits of virtual sessions, including the ability to capture participants' facial reactions up close, which can't be replicated in traditional settings. Elizabeth uses her extensive experience and real-world examples to demonstrate how these online gatherings can deepen your understanding of juror behavior, enhancing your courtroom strategies.
Learn about the convenience and flexibility that Zoom focus groups offer, saving time and resources while allowing you to experiment with different formats. Elizabeth compares virtual and in-person focus groups, highlighting the distinct interactions possible through Zoom. Tune in to explore how these insights can strengthen your connections with clients and juries, ultimately boosting your effectiveness in court. Whether you're a seasoned lawyer or new to virtual focus groups, this episode offers valuable strategies for your legal practice.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Advantages of Zoom focus groups over traditional in-person settings
- Benefits of capturing close-up participant reactions on Zoom
- Cost-effectiveness and convenience of online focus groups
- Flexibility and freedom in structuring virtual sessions
- Use cases for Zoom focus groups in pre-lawsuit and pre-mediation stages
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
You can watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/uOGoz3O167o
Don’t want to miss an episode? Looking for additional resources? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter to receive a monthly email packed with information straight to your inbox. Click here to join.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In this episode of Trial Lawyer Prep, host Elizabeth Larrick presents a structured approach to mastering trial preparation. She emphasizes starting with a comprehensive review of your case file, scrutinizing key documents like depositions and expert reports to identify core issues in liability and damages. This initial step involves crafting two crucial lists to streamline your strategy: one for liability and one for damages, ensuring you are aware of potential pitfalls and ready to advocate effectively in the courtroom.
The second step is to evaluate your case through the lens of a juror, focusing on worst-case scenarios and simplifying complex issues into clear yes-or-no decisions. This perspective helps in assessing the risks and understanding what aspects need reinforcement. Finally, Elizabeth discusses strategies for fixing or neutralizing any identified weaknesses, whether by gathering additional evidence, reconsidering claims, or adjusting your trial strategy. By following these steps, trial lawyers can enhance their preparation, connect better with juries, and confidently navigate courtroom challenges.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Importance of a comprehensive case file review
- Crafting liability and damages lists to identify potential issues
- Evaluating trial risks through a juror's worst-case scenario lens
- Techniques for fixing or neutralizing problematic issues
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Need that list of books to get your brain excited about trial prep? Go to Episode 134.
Link to watch this episode on YouTube.
Link to join Elizabeth’s Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
On this episode of Trial Lawyer Prep, Elizabeth Larrick shares strategies for trial lawyers to develop a winning legal approach from the start of litigation. Drawing from her experience with renowned trial lawyer Don Keenan, Elizabeth explains the dangers of last-minute strategy planning and the confusion that can arise from disorganized opening statements. She emphasizes the need for a clear and cohesive presentation to effectively communicate with juries.
Elizabeth shares practical methods to kickstart your trial preparation, including the use of jury research and focus groups, and highlights the benefits of committing to a single persuasive strategy. Discover actionable steps such as writing down ideas, dedicating focused time for evaluation, and seeking inspiration from trial strategy literature or podcasts.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Importance of early trial strategy development to avoid procrastination pitfalls.
- Risks of a disorganized "Frankenstein" approach and cramming strategies into opening statements.
- Value of committing to a single, coherent persuasion method for trial success.
- Utilization of jury research and focus groups to test and refine trial strategies.
- Actionable steps for trial preparation: writing ideas down, setting time blocks, and seeking inspiration.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Jump to Episode 131 to get an overview of trial strategy.
Books to Kickstart your Trial Strategy Planning:
Trial by Human by Nick Rowley & Steven Halteman
Rules of the Road by Rick Friedman & Patrick Malone
Polarizing the Case by Rick Friedman
From Hostage to Hero by Sari de la Motte
Damages 3 by David Ball
Trial by Woman by Courtney Rowley & Theresa Bowen Hatch
The Keenan Edge Anthology by Don Keenan and various contributors (including me)
Winning Case Preparation by Bozart, Cusimano, Lazarus and Wenner
Learn more about how Elizabeth helps trial lawyer here.
Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.
Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter to get quick tips and ideas for your case preparation and trial persuasion. Go here to join.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Explore practical time management and mindset strategies tailored for trial lawyers with expert insights from lawyer coach Dina Cataldo. In this episode, Dina shares her journey from criminal prosecutor to coach, offering actionable advice to manage stress, prioritize tasks, and overcome negative thoughts. Discover how small habit changes can lead to significant improvements in your legal practice and personal life.
Elizabeth and Dina address the unique challenges female attorneys face, balancing demanding careers with personal responsibilities, and provide strategies to enhance daily productivity and instill confidence. Learn how structured planning and healthy routines can conserve energy and reduce stress, essential skills for the fast-paced world of trial law.
Dina reveals methods like "Sunday planning" and setting time limits for tasks to streamline workflow and improve efficiency. Understand the importance of addressing internal resistance and fostering a healthy relationship with time for professional growth.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Time management strategies tailored for trial lawyers.
- Importance of mindset in enhancing courtroom performance and managing stress.
- Techniques for optimizing energy levels and reducing daily frustrations.
- Structured planning methods, including "Sunday planning" and setting time limits for tasks.
- Addressing internal resistance and developing a healthy relationship with time.
- Emphasis on self-care and prioritizing personal goals alongside professional duties.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Learn more about Dina Cataldo: www.dinacataldo.com
Get Dina’s Free Workbook: 3 Sneaky Problems Stealing Your Time and Productivity (and How to Fix Them Now!)
Schedule a Strategy Call
Follow Dina’s Podcast Be a Better Lawyer
Learn more about how Elizabeth helps trial lawyer here.
Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.
Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter to get quick tips and ideas for your case preparation and trial persuasion. Go here to join.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Even with the mounting pressures of trial preparation, Elizabeth offers three straightforward strategies any lawyer can implement: strategic timelines that tap into natural chronological thinking, active notepad writing to command attention, and the persuasive rule of threes.
Whether you prefer simple sketches or polished presentations, Elizabeth offers guidance on easy techniques that pave the way for a successful trial strategy.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Strategies for mastering courtroom persuasion for trial lawyers
- Utilizing timelines to organize narratives and simplify complex information
- Techniques for enhancing jury engagement through storytelling
- Practical tips on using giant notepads for courtroom attention and memory retention
- The power of the "rule of threes" in simplifying and organizing presentations
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Learn more about how Elizabeth helps trial lawyer here.
Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.
Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter to get quick tips and ideas for your case preparation and trial persuasion. Go here to join.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Join Elizabeth Larrick as she shares insights on developing trial strategies that resonate with juries. This episode is designed for trial lawyers seeking to enhance their courtroom success by focusing on a comprehensive strategy rather than just meeting deadlines or relying on emotional narratives. Elizabeth delves into the importance of using focus groups to anticipate jury reactions and prepare multiple contingency plans for trial preparation.
Gain tips on crafting compelling narratives, prioritizing crucial information, and employing strategic questioning. Learn how to sequence witnesses and evidence to streamline your courtroom presentation. Elizabeth emphasizes the significance of flexibility in your plans to handle unexpected challenges.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Understanding trial strategy beyond deadlines and persuasive elements
- Importance of a cohesive, big-picture plan considering the jury's perspective
- Utilizing focus groups to predict jury reactions and develop contingency plans
- Crafting memorable and clear narratives through effective communication
- Strategic sequencing of witnesses and evidence to streamline presentations
- Simplifying and prioritizing information for impactful trial presentations
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Want to join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter and receive monthly emails with additional help for your cases? Click here to complete the form.
Be sure to check out the Michelle Gessner episodes to hear about her trial strategy formulated from the focus groups.
Episode 128
Episode 129
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In this episode of Trial Lawyer Prep, Elizabeth Larrick discusses the importance of immediate and thorough reflection on focus group feedback for trial lawyers. She emphasizes early recording of impressions, detailed review within seven days, and actionable steps to improve trial strategies. Elizabeth shares her methods for compiling and analyzing data to ensure focus group insights are effectively utilized in courtroom preparations. 00:00 Introduction to Trial Lawyer Prep 00:40 Welcome and Episode Overview 00:53 The Importance of Reflection in Jury Research 02:39 Immediate Reflection After Focus Groups 06:28 Seven-Day Reflection and Analysis 10:03 Implementing Feedback and Next Steps 16:08 Conclusion and Additional Resources Want to join the Trial Lawyer Newsletter to receive a monthly email with more tips, strategies and information on being a better trial lawyer? Go here: https://larricklawfirm.com/connect/
In this episode of Trial Lawyer Prep, we delve into the role that focus groups can play in legal trials. This episode explores whether focus groups are worth the investment, as we continue our conversation with Michelle Gessner. Through a case study involving Wells Fargo, Michelle shares her experience in utilizing focus groups to anticipate juror reactions and refine legal strategies, ultimately providing an edge in the courtroom. This episode underscores the financial considerations and potential rewards of employing focus groups, highlighting how they can reveal juror perceptions and help counteract defense tactics.
Moreover, the episode sheds light on the applications of focus groups in trial preparation, particularly in determining the order of witnesses and enhancing witness preparation. Michelle emphasizes the importance of using focus groups to establish a sequence for presenting evidence, which can significantly influence juror understanding and case outcomes. The discussion also highlights the value of having an external perspective during witness prep to identify potential communication breakdowns. With these insights, trial lawyers can enhance their strategies and increase their chances of achieving favorable outcomes in court. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed by joining the Trial Lawyer Prep newsletter and leveraging the expertise shared in this episode to elevate their trial game.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Strategic witness preparation and sequencing based on focus group feedback
- Managing financial risks versus benefits of focus group insights
- Role of focus groups in shaping depositions, summary judgment briefs, and evidence presentation
- Techniques for refining opening statements and trial strategies with focus group feedback
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have more questions or have an employment matter to talk with Michelle about, please contact her at:
Michelle@mgessnerlaw.com
To learn more about Michelle, please visit her website: Gessner Law PLLC
Don’t want to miss an episode of the podcast? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter to get an email straight to your inbox with episodes and resources for witness prep, trial strategy and focus groups. Use this link: https://larricklawfirm.com/connect/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Join us as we delve into the remarkable $22 million verdict achieved by trial lawyer Michelle Gessner against Wells Fargo. Michelle shares her strategic approach to a high-stakes case involving the wrongful termination of a Wells Fargo employee who requested a work-from-home accommodation under the ADA. This episode is packed with insights for trial lawyers, highlighting the value of focus groups in shaping trial strategy and boosting confidence. Discover how focus groups can refine your opening statements and jury selection, even when limited to a 20-minute voir dire. Michelle also discusses the challenges of maintaining focus group confidentiality when faced with aggressive tactics from opposing counsel. Gain valuable knowledge on navigating complex litigation and learn how meticulous preparation can make a significant difference in your courtroom success.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Lessons learned from Michelle Gessner's landmark $22 million verdict against Wells Fargo.
- Leveraging focus groups to build confidence in trial strategies and understand juror perceptions.
- Utilizing focus groups to refine opening statements and determine the most impactful evidence presentation.
- Strategies for effective jury selection with limited voir dire time, emphasizing swift decision-making.
- Protecting focus group footage from opposing counsel's access attempts and maintaining its confidentiality.
- Handling aggressive legal tactics from opponents, including motions to access attorney work product.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Learn more about Michelle Gessner at: https://www.mgessnerlaw.com/michelle-gessner/#gref
You can reach out to Michelle Gessner via email: michelle@mgessnerlaw.com
To join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter please visit: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Join Elizabeth Larrick as she explores the decision-making process of whether to settle a case or proceed to a jury trial. This episode provides trial lawyers with actionable insights into evaluating jury trials by examining recent verdicts and settlements and leveraging the experience of attorneys familiar with key players in the case. Elizabeth shares how focus groups composed of non-lawyers can offer valuable perspectives, helping to understand jurors' mindsets.
Look into trial preparation and risk assessment, focusing on the importance of evaluating evidence from a juror's viewpoint. Elizabeth discusses the strategic use of focus groups in refining opening statements and provides a comprehensive view of weighing the risks and rewards of settling versus going to trial.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Decision-making between settling a case and going to a jury trial
- Importance of researching recent verdicts, settlements, and consulting experienced attorneys.
- Utilizing focus groups to understand jurors' perspectives and attitudes.
- Trial preparation, risk assessment, and evaluating evidence from a juror's viewpoint.
- Assessing trial costs, time commitments, and potential outcomes to guide clients effectively.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Want to learn to set-up your own virtual focus groups? Join my Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter to learn about when my DIY course opens again and gain helpful trial tips & insight each month, go to www.larricklawfirm.com/connect to sign up.
Related episodes on trial preparation: Ep 122
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Join Elizabeth Larrick as she explores the transformative power of virtual focus groups for trial lawyers. In this episode, Elizabeth discusses her course, "DIY Virtual Focus Groups for Beginners," designed to equip trial lawyers with the skills to run their own focus groups. Elizabeth shares her experience of how these methods have enhanced her practice by providing crucial jury insights and improving case decisions. The course offers practical tools, including recorded Zoom sessions, a detailed workbook, and a supportive community, addressing common challenges like recruitment, presentation, and moderation.
Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of integrating feedback into legal case preparations, aiming for clarity and simplicity in jury communication. Discover how running your own focus groups can refine your presentation strategies, connect more effectively with juries and clients, and enhance your overall courtroom success.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Introduction to DIY Virtual Focus Groups for trial lawyers
- Strategies for recruitment, presentation, and moderation in focus groups
- Importance of integrating feedback for effective jury communication
- Benefits of running personal focus groups for case preparation
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To learn more about the on-demand course Do-It-Yourself Virtual Focus Groups go to https://elizabethlarrick.com/on-demand-course-focus-groups/
To hear other episodes about running your own virtual focus groups check out:
DIY Focus Groups with Clint Shumacher [Ep 83]
Setting Up Your Focus Group System [Ep 81]
Focus Group Recruiting [Ep 80]
DIY Virtual Jury Research Part 1 [Ep 19]
DIY Virtual Jury Research Part 2 [Ep 20]
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In this episode, Elizabeth explores innovative and cost-effective strategies for trial preparation that go beyond traditional mock juries. Designed with solo practitioners and small law firms in mind, this episode examines techniques like focus groups that can provide valuable insights without the high costs. Learn how attorneys like Ryan Squires and Peter Levine successfully used virtual focus groups to refine their trial strategies, leading to significant verdicts and settlements. Gain actionable tips to enhance your courtroom skills and connect more effectively with juries.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Exploring cost-effective alternatives to mock juries for trial preparation
- Benefits and insights of using focus groups, both in-person and virtual
- Overcoming traditional trial prep challenges for solo practitioners and small firms
- Practical tips for conducting short, targeted focus groups
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Want to get in-depth insight straight to your inbox? Join the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter at www.larricklawfirm.com/connect to get a specially crafted email once a month from Elizabeth that gives lawyers extra resources, tips and information on preparing the best case.
Here are the episodes mentioned by Elizabeth:
Ep 35 Ryan Squires and his Record Setting $40 million verdict
Ep 19 DIY Virtual Jury Research Part 1
Ep 20 DIY Virtual Jury Research Part 2
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Elizabeth Larrick, an experienced trial lawyer and consultant, discusses strategies for conducting effective virtual jury research using focus groups. By starting with a well-prepared opening statement, lawyers can harness simple, direct feedback to refine case strategies. Through examples and real case studies, Elizabeth demonstrates how to leverage virtual focus groups for trial preparation, emphasizing the importance of clarity and simplicity to achieve successful outcomes. Listeners are also encouraged to join her email list for exclusive access to her courses and resources. 00:00 Introduction to Trial Lawyer Prep 00:49 Starting with Virtual Jury Research 01:52 Understanding Virtual Focus Groups 03:03 Creating Effective Opening Statements 06:40 Gathering Feedback and Improving 09:53 Success Stories and Practical Tips 12:38 Conclusion and Next Steps Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Join my TLP email list to gain exclusive access to the DIY Virtual Focus Group course and Bonus material:
www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Expand your toolkit and improve your legal practice with our guest, Karl Seelbach, co-founder of Skribe. In this episode, Karl shares his journey from aspiring plaintiff's lawyer to co-founding his own defense firm.
Learn how Karl is transforming the legal field with Skribe, a tool designed to simplify legal depositions and video evidence management. Hear about the challenges that led to Skribe's creation and how its products are addressing common pain points like high costs and delays. Explore the evolving landscape of legal depositions and the features of Skribe’s AI-powered tools. Karl discusses the benefits and limitations of remote depositions, the issue of stenographer shortages, and how Skribe’s software offers a practical alternative.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Skribe's creation to address deposition challenges
- The benefits of remote depositions
- The impact of AI-powered tools on deposition management
- Advice for integrating technology in legal practices
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you would like to learn more about Skribe, you can email Karl with your questions: karl@skribe.com or visit https://skribe.ai/
Get results, spend less money. Check out https://skribe.ai/ for your deposition needs and remember to mention Trial Lawyer Prep podcast!
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Think jury instructions are where to start with getting ready for your jury trial? Think again.
Join Elizabeth Larrick as she shares key strategies for achieving courtroom success. Learn why understanding a judge’s rules and procedures is as important as knowing your case facts. Elizabeth delves into the specifics of voir dire, discussing time allocation and format variations to connect with jurors.
Elizabeth offers strategies for adapting trial preparations to meet the demands of any courtroom environment. Learn to manage expert witness schedules and align your presentation to the judge's persona to avoid unexpected setbacks. Through real-life examples, this episode highlights the importance of meticulous planning and understanding a judge’s expectations to ensure effective execution of every trial element.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Maximizing trial success strategies
- Navigating trial preparations and judge persona
- Nuances of voir dire: time allocation and format variations
- Strategies for connecting with jurors
- Legal research and preparation for judge’s trial persona to avoid unexpected setbacks
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Are you interested in booking a free consultation call about focus groups or trial strategy?
Use this link to find a convenient time for you to talk with Elizabeth.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Get ready to master the nuances of preparing for virtual client depositions in 2024. Equip yourself with strategies that ensure your client is not just ready but confident and composed. Join me as I dive into the essential practice of virtual deposition preparation. You'll learn why it's crucial to simulate the actual virtual environment during practice, helping clients handle technical hiccups and communicate effectively when things go awry.
In this episode, I share actionable tips drawn from real-life experiences. From practicing with Zoom to managing on-screen documents, discover how segmenting preparation sessions can vastly improve client performance. Tune in to understand why treating these practice sessions with the utmost seriousness can set your clients up for success, making those virtual depositions less daunting and more manageable.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Importance of simulating the virtual environment during practice
- Handling technical issues and communicating effectively online
- Benefits of segmenting preparation sessions for better client retention
- Ensuring clients are familiar with virtual deposition nuances
- Applying similar preparation strategies for experts and focus groups
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you enjoyed this quick practice tip with Elizabeth, join her Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter email list here.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Did you know that seeking feedback from friends and family might be sabotaging your trial preparation? Join me as I break down why this common practice can be a trap rather than a helpful shortcut. In this episode of Trial Lawyer Prep, you'll uncover three fundamental reasons why feedback from close individuals is inherently unreliable. From the biased nature of their opinions to the undue credibility they grant you, and how these skewed perspectives can infiltrate your subconscious decision-making—understand why these pitfalls can negatively impact your case.
I'll also shed light on the significance of impartial jury research, and how recruiting unbiased participants can make all the difference. Discover why feedback from neutral strangers offers a more accurate simulation of a real jury's perspective and why cutting corners due to time, money, or fear of negative feedback could jeopardize your case's success. Don't miss this vital discussion on enhancing your trial strategies with reliable, unbiased feedback!
In this episode, you will hear:
- The dangers of relying on feedback from friends and family for trial preparation.
- Three main reasons why friendly feedback is unreliable: inherent bias, undue credibility, and non-representative sample.
- The subconscious influence of biased feedback on decision-making in trials.
- Importance of impartial jury research and recruiting unbiased participants for focus groups.
- Risks of cutting corners due to time, financial constraints, or fear of negative feedback.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Ever wondered how focus groups could be the game-changer for navigating complex liability issues in civil litigation? Imagine unlocking jurors' hidden perspectives and using these insights to your strategic advantage. This episode takes you through real-world applications, like contributory negligence in construction injuries or multiple defendants in medical malpractice cases. We dive into the nuances of a recent car crash case involving seatbelt usage to show you how a layered presentation strategy can yield invaluable insights.
We also discuss the crucial practice of conducting and recording debrief sessions right after focus groups. Learn why transcribing and creating memo reports can elevate your mediation preparation and case strategy. From clarifying responsibility to uncovering critical facts, we lay out how focus groups can help frame information for the best outcomes. Plus, we offer practical resources and invite you to join our email list for upcoming courses on running your own focus groups. Don't miss out on these essential techniques that could transform your approach to complex liability cases.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Navigating a common challenge in civil litigation: problematic liability
- The value of a layered presentation strategy
- The role of focus groups to uncover hidden factors in complex liability cases
- The importance of conducting and recording debrief sessions immediately
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
In the episode, I mentioned Episode 112 where we look at a specific case example for flipping contested liability and expanded blog.
Are you interested in taking my online course: Virtual Focus Group Foundations Workshop?
Please register for my email list and you will receive the announcement when the course is offered again.
Register here: https://larricklawfirm.com/connect/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Ever wondered how clear video evidence could still lead to a contentious court battle? Join us as we speak with John Prudhomme from CPM Injury Lawyers about a gripping case involving a fuel tanker rear-ending a dump truck on I-35. Despite undeniable footage and an outright admission from the tanker driver, the defense stood firm with no settlement offers. Find out how a virtual focus group became a game-changer in predicting jury perceptions and why the trial venue added layers of complexity to an already dramatic case.
John also shares insights from a case involving a veteran client whose trial took an unexpected turn. We discuss how the jury's interest veered from medical details to family dynamics, revealing the nuanced way personal stories can sway verdicts. With veterans on the jury panel and collateral source issues lurking in the background, emphasizing the family impact became crucial. Tune in to hear how highway speed regulations and surveillance footage reshaped the narrative and influenced the jury’s decisions.
We also get into the nitty-gritty of trial strategies and financial considerations. From life care plans to the client's lifestyle choices, find out how these elements played a crucial role in the jury’s perception. John emphasizes the unpredictable nature of trials, the importance of expert testimonies, and the critical role of pre-trial preparations. This episode is a goldmine of insights for any trial lawyer seeking to refine their skills and connect more effectively with juries
In this episode, you will hear:
- Case study: fuel tanker rear-ending a dump truck on I-35.
- Utilizing virtual focus groups to understand jury perceptions and defense strategies
- Adjusting trial tactics based on real-time feedback
- Challenges of dealing with surveillance evidence and unexpected jury reactions
- The critical role of life care plans and financial implications in influencing jury decisions
- Importance of pre-trial preparations and adapting to unpredictable trial elements
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Would you like to talk to John Prudhomme about his experience? Questions about his trial?
You can reach out to John by email: jprudhomme@caglefirm.com
Learn more about John’s practice here: https://www.caglefirm.com/
If you are interested in working with me on a focus group, please book a free call using this link: www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
What if rethinking your approach to trial preparation could transform your outcomes in court? Join us as we uncover the journey of Keif Storrar, a partner at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, who revolutionized his firm's use of focus groups after attending Don Keenan's Edge Colleges in 2018. Keif walks us through the shift from using focus groups sporadically for catastrophic injury cases to a more systematic and frequent application. Learn how his firm navigated the transition to virtual formats during the pandemic, the logistics of consistent implementation, and the intriguing possibility of creating a dedicated business entity for managing focus groups.
Keif also shares invaluable strategies on leveraging focus groups for witness credibility, case development, and testing deposition clips. This episode dives into the evolving landscape of online survey focus groups, offering a wider audience perspective on damages, and the critical importance of honing case themes early. We tackle the nuts and bolts of running virtual focus groups, emphasizing effective recruitment and fraud prevention. If you’re looking to refine your approach or start fresh with focus groups, we provide practical tips and strategies to streamline the implementation process.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The logistics and benefits of implementing focus groups regularly
- Evaluating witness credibility and shaping case development
- The advantages of using focus groups to test deposition clips
- Virtual focus group recruitment strategies
- The differences between virtual and in-person recruitment
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Would you like to talk to Keif about his focus group experience? Have a case in Montana?
You can contact Keif by email: keif@lawyerinmontana.com
Website: https://lawyerinmontana.com/keif-storrar/
Are you interested in taking my online course: Virtual Focus Group Foundations Workshop?
Please register for my email list and you will receive the announcement when the course is offered again.
Register here: https://larricklawfirm.com/connect/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Can you really trust your instincts when it comes to trial preparation? In this episode, we uncover the hidden pitfalls of overestimating evidence clarity and the transformative power of focus groups. Drawing from extensive experience with over a thousand focus groups, we reveal why lawyer assumptions often miss the mark and how understanding the jury's perspective can be a game-changer in the courtroom.
Learn practical examples of cases where the evidence seemed crystal clear but proved to be surprisingly ambiguous. We'll also discuss the importance of not relying solely on recent jury verdicts or seasoned instincts and explore how focus groups can offer invaluable insights into how jurors interpret evidence. Don't miss this essential guide for trial lawyers aiming to refine their courtroom strategy and build stronger connections with juries.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why you shouldn’t base your assumptions solely on experience or recent jury verdicts
- Video evidence revealing driver's responsibility
- Challenges with video evidence in court
- Avoiding communication mistakes in legal strategy
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Want to learn more inside tips and tricks for jury research and focus groups?
Sign up for Elizabeth’s monthly email list by visiting: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Can a one-hour virtual focus group transform your trial preparation? In this episode of Trial Lawyer Prep, we uncover the groundbreaking benefits of incorporating virtual focus groups into your litigation strategy. By pinpointing what juries truly want to know from the outset, you can streamline your discovery and deposition processes, ultimately saving time and resources. Whether you're navigating personal injury, employment law, or criminal defense, learn how this innovative approach to case preparation can align your strategy with jury expectations, enhancing your courtroom success.
Join us as we break down the strategic advantages for different types of cases, from car crashes to medical malpractice. We also dive into the intricacies of using virtual focus groups to identify key testimony areas, sift through complex violations, and prioritize the most impactful issues. Plus, learn follow-up instructions to ensure you maximize the effectiveness of these sessions and be ready to revolutionize your litigation practice.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The benefits of using virtual focus groups to refine case strategies
- Understanding key issues in car crash, trucking, and medical malpractice cases
- Efficient case preparation through third-party opinions
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Want to learn more inside tips and tricks for jury research and focus groups?
Sign up for Elizabeth’s monthly email list by visiting: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Have you ever stepped into a focus group with the battle-ready mindset of a courtroom lawyer, only to realize it's like bringing a sword to a tea party? Joins us to untangle the art of moderation, guiding attorneys through the key mindset shifts that can transform focus group feedback into pure gold for trial prep.
Understand the nuanced dance between asking questions and listening intently – emphasizing the power of neutrality and curiosity to coax out the raw, genuine insights that are so crucial to understanding how a jury might think. From a checklist that strips away legal jargon and biases, to the delicate skill of presenting cases in everyday language, this episode is a masterclass in the subtleties of legal research.
Whether you're seasoned in the world of focus groups or stepping into this space for the first time, this conversation is a vital tool for any attorney looking to connect more deeply with clients and juries. Tune in and learn how to steer clear of confrontational instincts that can muddy the waters of valuable feedback, and how to lay the groundwork for focus groups that truly inform and enhance your trial strategies.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The need for lawyers to shift mindset to a neutral focus group moderator
- Techniques for bias-free legal focus group research
- Mock juries vs. focus groups in trial prep
- Using neutral language and open-ended questions for authentic feedback
- A detailed checklist for attorneys to organize and guide focus groups
- The value of focus groups in enhancing cases by understanding jury perspectives
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Want to learn more inside tips and tricks for jury research and focus groups?
Sign up for Elizabeth’s monthly email list by visiting: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Learn how to revolutionize your trial strategy with the wisdom of Tulsa attorney Ashley Leavitt. Ashley joins me in this episode to discuss virtual focus groups, which are shaping the way lawyers prepare for trial. Our conversation explores the nuanced ways in which these online platforms are not just convenient but also powerful tools for eliciting unguarded insights from participants.
We talk candidly about the edge virtual groups give – from capturing subtle emotional cues to the ability to analyze reactions and discussions at leisure – ensuring no vital piece of feedback is overlooked. Ashley and I traverse the landscape of legal preparation, sharing personal stories of how virtual focus groups have helped refine court room approach. From the challenge of simplifying complex information to the strategic selection of evidence and the artful use of visuals, we dissect the elements that can make or break a case in the eyes of a jury. We delve into the psychology behind certain words and the unexpected power they wield, revealing how even the title "engineer" can sway perceptions.
This episode is an essential listen for those eager to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving arena of trial law. Join us for a session brimming with strategic insights and heartfelt revelations that promise to enhance not only your legal prowess but also your client relationships.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Comparing virtual and in-person focus groups' benefits
- Simplifying complex data and strategic evidence selection for juries
- Impact of terminology and visuals on jury perceptions
- Case study: roof damage claims and virtual focus groups
- Managing client expectations using focus group feedback
- Enhancing legal approach and client relations via online jury analysis
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To learn more about Ashley Leavitt please visit: https://www.kollertriallaw.com/
If you need to reach Ashley for help with a first part insurance claim in Oklahoma, please email her directly at: Ashley@kollertriallaw.com
Want to learn more inside tips and tricks for focus groups? Sign up for Elizabeth’s monthly email list by visiting: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a gripping courtroom drama, unraveling the intricate process of using virtual focus groups for a trial's success. Let’s explore the case of an 18-wheeler collision through the eyes of Fidel Rodriguez, Jr., a seasoned trial lawyer, and discover how he harnessed the power of virtual focus groups to transform the case narrative. We'll dissect the importance of visual evidence, tackle jury confusion, and reveal how meticulous tweaks based on focus group insights can lead to pivotal changes in a jury trial's outcome.
This episode is more than just a recount of legal strategy – it's a lesson in psychological finesse, where we reveal the courtroom as a theater and jurors as the audience whose verdict can pivot on a single piece of evidence. We walk through the dramatic transformation of a high-stakes liability case, scrutinizing every nuance from opening statements to surveillance footage. Take this front-row seat to witness the meticulous crafting of a winning case, proving that sometimes, the path to justice is through the screen of a virtual focus group.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of visual evidence
- Addressing jury confusion points
- Shaping the case’s narrative based on focus group feedback
- Pivoting strategies based on juror insights
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To get more details about the sequence of virtual focus groups, check out the blog: https://larricklawfirm.com/case-study-how-virtual-focus-groups-flipped-disputed-liability/
Ever wondered about setting up your own virtual focus group system?
A system that could easily produce a virtual focus group that allows you to test your cases with lower cost and stress.
Well, I am setting up an online course for lawyers to do just that on May 1st. But you need to be on my email list to get access, use this link: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Ever wondered how trial lawyers can peer into the minds of a jury before setting foot in the courtroom? Rian Butler, a battle-tested attorney from Austin joins today’s discussion to unveil the secret weapon of litigation: focus groups.
Rian illustrates how a focus group's fresh eyes can reveal critical aspects that attorneys might miss. Our candid conversation exposes the strategic edge that focus groups provide in sculpting arguments and honing in on ways to genuinely connect with jurors through compelling narratives.
Navigating the modern landscape of trial preparation, we swap tales of virtual and in-person focus group dynamics. The episode is packed with practical advice on keeping participants on the edge of their seats and how multimedia presentations can solidify an argument's impact.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of focus groups in litigation
- The challenges and strategies of conducting virtual and in-person focus groups for trial preparation
- Understanding jurors' perspectives
- Adaptability to trial schedules
- Unexpected jury deliberation outcomes
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Learn more about Rian Butler and his Austin law practice: www.butlerinjury.com
Ever wondered about setting up your own virtual focus group system? A system that could easily produce a virtual focus group to test your cases with lower cost and stress. Well, I am setting up an online course for lawyers to do just that on May 1st. But you need to be on my email list to get access, use this link: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.
In today's episode, I’m diving deep into the realm of virtual focus groups and the unique benefits they bring to trial strategy, particularly the kind of face-to-face interaction you just can't replicate in person. Virtual focus groups have unexpected advantages from capturing nuanced participant reactions to providing invaluable insights on video evidence used in trials.
Join me for a riveting discussion about the new frontier of legal preparation. Get an insider's perspective on how virtual focus groups have revolutionized how we examine participant feedback, scrutinize facial reactions, and dissect video evidence – all crucial in today's camera-laden society. I'll guide you through the nuances of camera setups and recording settings on platforms like Zoom to capture every critical detail.
This episode is a must-listen for any legal professional eager to polish their trial strategy with the power of digital tools. Whether you're looking to access case studies, master presentation tools, or seeking aids for your trial approach, this conversation is a treasure trove of best practices and expert guidance.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The unique advantages of virtual focus groups over in-person ones
- How to enhance virtual focus group for success
- Tips for optimizing Zoom settings for focus groups
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Want to work with Elizabeth? Need a virtual focus group for a difficult case?
Set up a free consultation call: https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick/30min
Website: www.larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.
Imagine stepping into a courtroom where the complexities of medical malpractice and product liability unfold like a storybook, where jurors are captivated not by words alone, but by the artistry of visual persuasion.
That's the scene Annie Gough helps create. In today’s episode, Annie’s expertise as a certified medical illustrator takes center stage. Together, we unravel the fabric of legal storytelling through the lens of detailed 2D illustrations and lifelike 3D animations, which turn abstract concepts into tangible realities for those who decide the fates of others.
Visuals can make or break a case. Listen in as we discuss the process of crafting images that resonate with a jury's sense of belief. We also delve into the territory of human anatomy, where a seemingly small detail on a medical illustration, such as the precision of a spine model or the exactness of a surgical animation, can pivot a juror's understanding of the truth.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Impact of image in courtroom proceedings
- Importance of 3D models in court
- Medical image misinterpretation and surgery error
- Importance of visualizing tumor locations
- Medical illustration case preparation process
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
You can watch the interview video & see all of Annie’s examples here: https://youtu.be/7hbj4wLHDR4
Want to work with Annie?
Email her directly: anniegcmi@gmail.com
Website: www.injuryillustrated.com
Want to work with Elizabeth? Need a virtual focus group?
Set up a free consultation call: https://calendly.com/elizabethlarrick/30min
Website: www.larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Imagine walking into the courtroom armed with insider knowledge that guarantees a powerful impact on the jury – that's the kind of edge you can bring to the table with virtual focus groups.
Just one hour can dramatically reshape your trial preparation. This episode is a deep dive into using virtual focus groups to gauge juror impressions, assess client credibility, and polish your visual aids for the courtroom stage. Learn the ways and the way you approach trials, mediations, and depositions will never be the same again.
Stepping into our virtual conference room, we dissect the advantages of conducting one-hour virtual focus groups, a practice that has become a cornerstone of successful legal strategies. Learn how you can harness the chat feature to glean unfiltered juror perceptions and refine your opening statements to ensure they strike true when it counts. But it's not just about the prep work – I'll reveal how to use focus group feedback to prepare your clients for the spotlight, safeguarding them from the jarring impact of raw critiques.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Virtual focus groups assessing client credibility
- Client credibility and virtual focus groups
- Exploring alternative legal solutions
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Curious about working together? Send me an email elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com or click to schedule a quick call.
Want inside tips & resources? Sign up to be on my email list.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Every legal case reads like a distinct narrative, and within these stories are the lives of real people bearing their truths. Enter Amanda, a plaintiff's attorney with a history as a paralegal, who brings that very understanding to the forefront of her practice.
Our conversation with her peels back the layers of the intricate relationship between attorney and client, exploring how deep trust is cultivated, especially when guiding clients through the stormy seas of recalling traumatic experiences. Amanda's transition into the legal field amid a pandemic, and her innovative use of Zoom to bridge the client-communication gap, offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape where technology meets empathy.
The courtroom is more than a battleground of wits; it's a space where human emotions are laid bare. As we unpack the emotional breadth of deposition preparation, Amanda walks us through the careful balance lawyers must strike – acting as legal counsel while providing emotional support. Her candid recounting of a young sexual assault survivor's case shines a light on the profound influence an attorney's belief in their client's story can have.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Learning the ropes of plaintiffs' depositions
- Building confidence and validating client experiences
- The emotional toll of legal work
- Building trust in client depositions
- Connecting with clients and juries
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To learn more about Amanda and connect with her go here.
Want inside tips & resources? Sign up to be on my email list: https://fantastic-designer-3528.ck.page/4e7d7814f1
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Have you ever witnessed the courtroom magic that a well-prepared lawyer can weave? Imagine the edge a legal team could have by understanding a jury's mind before even stepping into the courtroom. That's exactly what Florida attorney Brooke Grogan and I peel back the layers of in our insightful conversation. Brooke brings to the table her experiences with focus groups, revealing how these mock juries can drastically alter the trajectory of a trial. From honing opening statements to fine-tuning courtroom tactics, this episode is a masterclass for any trial lawyer eager to absorb the tactical know-how of leveraging focus groups for legal victories.
Picture this: a tool so powerful it could swing a $3 million verdict in your favor. That's the story Brooke recounts as we delve into how early focus group feedback reshaped her case strategy. We also tackle the virtual evolution of focus groups, discussing the conveniences and complexities of platforms like Zoom. Whether you're a seasoned attorney or just legally curious, our exchange is packed with practical insights that underscore the transformative effects of blending technology with trial preparation. Join us to unearth the art of legal strategy through the lens of focus groups – a truly eye-opening dialogue for the courtroom tactician in all of us.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Brooke's first focus group experience
- Focus group evaluation
- Importance of focus groups in evaluation
- Value of focus groups and input
- Adjustments and progress in focus groups
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To learn more about Brooke Grogan & her practice: https://www.injurylawyers.com/attorney-brooke-grogan/
To follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-larrick-942447101/
If you have a question or suggestion for the podcast, please email Elizabeth: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In this episode, we reflect on a year of trial advocacy growth and gear up for an even more dynamic 2024. Listen in as I share insights from my tenure as president of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association, highlighting how organization and balance have become pillars of my practice. I also discuss the surprising dominance of virtual focus groups, with a staggering 44 sessions conducted online, illustrating their continued convenience and efficiency for our busy legal community.
Plus, get a sneak peek at future episodes featuring fellow lawyers and experts who will shed light on innovative case development, witness preparation, and the powerful use of medical illustrations and animations in storytelling.
As we wrap up 2023, I can't help but share the profound impact certain books have had on my journey both professionally and personally. As I set my sights on devouring 40 business books in the coming year, I extend an invitation for your recommendations. Lastly, we'll explore how experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT might revolutionize the way we practice law.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The effectiveness of virtual focus groups (with 44 online sessions highlighted)
- Insights from impactful books for personal and professional growth.
- Exploration of technology in legal practice, including the use of ChatGPT for brainstorming and content creation.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To learn more about grief listen to Episodes:
Ep 85: What is Grief?
Ep 86: Ways We have been Taught to Deal with Grief
Ep 87: How to Navigate and Assist Our Clients with Grief
Book Recommendations:
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
Loving What is by Byron Katie
Got a book recommendation? Podcast episode topic? Email Elizabeth: Elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Have you ever wondered how the best trial lawyers prepare for court? Join me as I sit down with Justin Starin of McKenna & Starin, to pull back the curtain on the strategic deployment of focus groups in personal injury law. Together, we venture beyond the traditional mock trial format, navigating the nuances of targeted sessions that dissect specific issues like causation and case framing. Justin's expertise shines as we dissect how focus groups can not only unveil potential juror biases but also refine witness preparation and bolster plaintiff credibility—essential tools for any legal arsenal.
We also delve into the art of simplifying complex legal arguments for the lay jury. From revising opening statements to rendering technical evidence understandable, we expose the trials of countering preconceived notions and managing inflated expectations set by the likes of CSI. For legal professionals aiming to cut through legal jargon and connect with a jury, this episode is an invaluable masterclass in strategic case management.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Using focus groups for causation
- Responsibility of testing security systems
- Challenges in investigating a death case
- Expert testimony for defense against blame
- Focus groups in legal cases benefits (90 seconds)
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Justin Starin
McKenna & Starin
Justin@mslawmt.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Communication is the heartbeat of every relationship, and the bond between lawyer and client is no different. Listen in as we discuss the challenges and strategies of managing client expectations in the legal field with Matt Murphy from Montana. Specializing in workers' compensation cases, Matt shares his invaluable experience and emphasizes the importance of being upfront and honest with clients, even when the news isn't the most favorable. We also tackle the complexities of managing expectations in personal injury cases and the pivotal role trust plays in the lawyer-client relationship.
We highlight the importance of keeping clients in the loop and seeking their feedback, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. Listen to how changes in judges or legal rulings can alter a case's trajectory and the need to involve clients in the decision-making process. Get insights on the importance of transparency and the art of delivering difficult news. Matt shares practical tips on effectively communicating with clients and setting realistic expectations.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the legal field looking to enhance their client communication skills and build stronger relationships. Learn about the importance of open communication, managing expectations, and maintaining a strong client-lawyer relationship.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of building client relationships
- Importance of communication and trust
- Challenges with accepting medical treatment choices
- Importance of documentation and contact information
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
You can learn more about Matt Murphy & his practice by visiting:
Matt Murphy website profile: https://www.murphylawoffice.net/about-our-attorneys/matthew-murphy/
Murphy Law Firm website: https://www.murphylawoffice.net/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Prepare yourself to embark on an enlightening journey into the realm of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), where science, law, and humanity converge. With Kenny Berger, a seasoned plaintiff's personal injury lawyer from South Carolina as your guide, you're guaranteed to gain a deeper understanding of the human elements in each TBI case. Kenny's insights, drawn from his extensive experience representing TBI clients, will help you comprehend the far-reaching effects of brain injuries on all aspects of a client's life.
In this episode, we'll navigate through the intricacies of building a case for TBI, discussing key elements such as documenting symptoms like confusion, dizziness, and altered mental status and the significance of eyewitnesses. Kenny emphasizes the importance of establishing contact with individuals, who the client may have been in touch with within 48 hours post-incident.
Moreover, we discuss the timeline of brain injury recovery and explore the value of sensitive imaging. Kenny also generously shares invaluable resources for those keen on learning more about brain injuries and neuropsychology. Get ready to embark on this enlightening journey as we unpack the complexities of traumatic brain injuries.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Exploring traumatic brain injuries with Kenny
- Understanding brain injuries and memory loss
- Understanding the impact of brain injuries
- Timing in court cases and brain damage
- The importance of neuropsychological assessment
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To learn more about Kenny Berger visit his website: https://www.bergerlawsc.com/
To listen to Kenny’s podcast, Best Practices with Kenny Berger, listen here: https://www.bergerlawsc.com/reports/berger-law-best-practices-podcast.cfm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Are you ready to redefine your understanding of focus groups and mock trials? Let's dive into the subtleties and key differences between the two, as we expose the secrets behind effective case preparation. With exclusive insights from expert attorneys, medical illustrators, and visual aids specialists, we'll be enriching your knowledge and honing your skills.
Don't miss our intriguing foray into the world of legal jargon as we dissect the merits of focus groups over mock trials, shedding light on the importance of creating an open environment for participants. We further delve into the strategic use of background checks and surveys in your practice. Bring in your queries and join me on LinkedIn as we start this thrilling journey into the realms of trial preparation.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Focus groups vs. mock trials
- Early focus groups in lawsuits
- Dedicating time and resources for learning
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Let’s connect on LinkedIn, or send me an email: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Imagine being able to improve your trial practice by utilizing DIY focus groups - well, that's exactly what our guest, Clint Schumacher, has been doing. As an attorney specializing in eminent domain cases, Clint shares his fascinating journey of implementing focus groups to enhance his practice, and how Zoom has become an essential tool in facilitating them. We also take a deep dive into recruitment strategies, discussing the importance of finding the right participants and sharing the tips and tricks Clint has learned along the way.
When it comes to condemnation cases, people's emotional reactions are often at the forefront. Clint and I discuss the complexities of these cases, the inherent bias against the government taking property, and how to gauge the emotional value of a particular property case in order to better communicate with the jury. We also explore the scaling question, which measures how much people care about the case, as well as the importance of communicating facts clearly in focus groups.
Setting up a virtual focus group may seem daunting, but we cover everything you need to know, from the geographic area to be sampled to the recruitment process and the electronic confidentiality form used. We also discuss the challenges of finding participants in rural areas and how Clint and his team have been successful in using Facebook ads and Google forms for recruitment. Finally, we touch on the challenges of virtual focus groups, the strategies needed to handle them, and the undeniable importance of focus groups for trial lawyers. Don't miss this engaging and informative conversation!
In this episode, you will hear:
- DIY focus groups for trial lawyers
- Measuring emotional engagement in focus groups
- Virtual focus group process and challenges
- Managing remote meeting disruptions
- DIY focus groups for lawyers
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
My interview on the Eminent Domain Podcast - https://www.eminentdomainpodcast.com/118-witness-preparation/
Clint Schumacher
DAWSON & SODD, PLLC
8333 Douglas Avenue #380
Dallas, Texas 75225
Email: clint@dawsonsodd.com
Phone: 214-373-8181
Fax: 214-217-4230
Licensed in Texas and Oklahoma
The Eminent Domain Podcast - http://www.eminentdomainpodcast.com/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Elevate your understanding of deposition preparation with a unique focus on Spanish-speaking clients in our latest episode. We promise you'll gain valuable insights into the role of translators in this process, offering your clients a deeper layer of comfort and preparation. With firsthand experience from the field, we share how employing a translator for role play during deposition prep can drastically improve your client's understanding and readiness, setting them up for success.
Venture further into the world of legal translation as we highlight the importance of hiring certified court translators. We unpick the ethical code they adhere to, the nuances of regional dialects, and the potential risks of miscommunication. We also address the significant challenge of translation delays and suggest ways to keep this process as concise as possible. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with a new perspective and practical strategies to effectively utilize translators in your deposition prep process, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How a translator can help Spanish-speaking clients prepare for deposition
- The importance of hiring certified court translators
- Ensuring confidentiality and comfort of clients
- Understanding the importance of brevity to avoid delays
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Ever marveled at the power of a compelling narrative on a jury? Ever wondered how those narratives are crafted? Hillary Carls, a dynamic trial lawyer, joins us in a riveting conversation about the role of focus groups in crafting winning narratives. We recount our experiences and share how these groups have altered our approach to even the most complex cases. Hillary shares her journey to becoming a trial lawyer and how focus groups steered her to victory in a challenging sexual abuse case.
The power of visual aids and focus groups in trial cases cannot be overstated. Hillary and I dive into this, sharing our insights on creating visual aids for arguments and understanding your audience. If you're looking to refine a story and turn a complex narrative into a compelling argument, this episode is for you. Hillary reflects on how a focus group's input was pivotal in her sexual abuse case, and together, we emphasize the necessity of focusing on causation in trial cases.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Exploring focus groups in challenging cases
- The importance of visual aids and focus groups in trial cases
- PowerPoint presentations and the "Show me yours, I'll show you mine" strategy
- Preparing mediators in advance
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Would you like to learn more about Hillary or connect with her on a case?
Email her directly at: Hillary@carlslaw.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
When you've got 20 years of litigation under your belt, stepping into a new role can feel like a leap. But that's exactly what Kiele Linroth Pace did when she founded her law firm and took on the fresh challenge of the special counsel role. She has effectively blended her considerable experience in criminal law with the less familiar world of law firm administration. Now, she has the freedom to carefully select the projects that inspire her most, and she's even contemplating the idea of training others to do the same.
Hiring and delegation are two major focal points of our discussion. Kiele shares her expertise in simplifying the hiring process, primarily for law firm owners and solo practitioners. We also talk about the positive impact of having clear job descriptions, accountability, and adequate systems in place for a successful hire. We also tackle some of the common mistakes that can stunt a law firm's growth – neglecting personal development, overlooking the importance of outside perspective, and underestimating the power of delegation.
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation revolves around the art of setting boundaries to reclaim time. Kiele shares her journey of learning to set boundaries, and how it has allowed her to conserve energy, enhance productivity, and lead a more balanced life. We also dive into the idea of finding work that truly sparks your passion. Kiele’s perspective is inspiring. Even within the same job, changes can be made to better align your work with your passion.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Special counsel in law firms
- Mistakes impacting law firm growth
- Freelance services and time management for lawyers
- Setting boundaries to reclaim time
- Coaching for ideal clients
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Would you like to learn more about Kiele and her services?
Check out her website: https://pacefirm.com/
Or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiele/
Books we talked about:
You are a Badass, Jen Sincero: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Badass%C2%AE-Doubting-Greatness/dp/0762447699
You are a Badass at Making Money, Jen Sincero: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Badass-Making-Money/dp/0735222975
The One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard PhD and Spencer Johnson, MD: https://www.amazon.com/Minute-Manager-Kenneth-Blanchard-Ph-D/dp/074350917X
The Great Leap, Gay Hendricks: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level/dp/0061735361
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Maybe you’ve had this case for a couple of months now and you’ve done a little bit of investigating. So you have a little understanding of the facts around what happened, but you haven't actually filed the case yet. This can also be the time for you to use a pre-litigation focus group for more in-depth planning.
The perfect time to use a focus group is when you have the information that allows you to make some predictions, and there aren't any huge missing facts going on so you can pretty well predict the damages.
In this episode, I’m going to discuss planning for focus groups before you file a case, the importance of a pre-litigation focus group, what it looks like, what things you need to be looking for, and the benefits of using it.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What happens during the pre-litigation focus group
- Questions to ask and where to gather more information
- Factoring in your expenses in terms of time and money
- Ways to pick a case for a pre-litigation focus group
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Email with questions? Elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Download for FREE the Virtual FG Checklist https://fantastic-designer-3528.ck.page/635800b2c4
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Are all clients a good fit for witness preparation? Join me as I share a recent experience of a client resisting deposition preparation. I will also discuss ways to identify if a client is open to learning – or if they're just acting like a know-it-all. Discover the signs to look out for, and I’m also giving out some questions to consider to evaluate your client's readiness and willingness to engage in the process.
This episode takes a closer look at how to handle clients and determine their level of investment in a case. I can’t stress enough the importance of having an in-depth conversation with the client before the deposition to ensure everyone is on the same page. I also offer tips on dealing with clients who may not be a good fit for witness preparation. Be ready to navigate the complexities of client management in the courtroom.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Questions to assess client readiness
- Tips for productive conversations with clients to ensure they’re invested in the process
- How to determine if a client is a good fit for witness preparation
- Questions to ask yourself to consider if a client is open to learning
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Have a question or idea for an episode? Email Elizabeth (she reads all her emails) Elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Are you really prepared for that deposition, or are you falling into the trap of catchy YouTube tutorials and oversimplified online advice? Join me today as I navigate this treacherous landscape, discovering the dangerous pitfalls along the way. From the barrage of legal jargon to misinformation, these videos can lead you down a path of confusion, potentially harming your case. Using Texas law as an example, I call out the issues stemming from this online maelstrom of well-meaning but often misguided advice.
But worry not, there is a better way! I advocate for a personalized approach to deposition preparation – tailoring strategies to your specific case needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all solution. Listen in as I share my tips for successful trial preparations, focusing on client management and the delicate task of one-on-one preparation.
Be cautious of clients seeking advice online and learn how to guide them away from this problematic practice. Whether you're a budding lawyer or a seasoned veteran, you'll find valuable insights into crafting unique strategies that cater to your case's specifics.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Issues with legal advice videos
- The importance of one-on-one client preparation and client management
- The danger in short-format videos with less context and less explanation
- Personalized preparation for successful trials
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Want to see for yourself what’s on YouTube? Click Here.
Have a question or idea for an episode? Email Elizabeth (she reads all her emails) Elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Don't you just crave a fool-proof system to help you conquer trial preparation, regardless of how many people you have on your team? In my recent experience assisting a group of lawyers, it was evident that the make-or-break in their case was a robust method of prioritization and delegation.
In this episode, we dig deep into the mechanisms of planning, organizing, and executing tasks effectively when prepping for a trial. I’m sharing crucial insights on how prompt decision-making and appropriate workload distribution can significantly amplify the results at the end of the day. I’m also teaching you how to assemble a top-notch trial team, even when you're flying solo. Drawing upon my own experiences, I can’t stress enough the importance of knowing your abilities and limitations, seeking help when needed, and nailing your opening statement well in advance.
Plus, I’m giving you a real-world example of a recent trial I was involved in, illustrating the essence of time and why defining roles and prioritizing tasks early are so critical. No matter the size or scope of your team, this episode aims to equip you with the essential tools and strategies to streamline your trial preparation process.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Prioritizing and delegating tasks for trial preparation to excel
- Taking time to make prioritization decisions before deadlines
- Building a successful trial team
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
How much power does self-perception hold over our actions, and what role does it play in a courtroom scenario? How critical is the reconciliation of dual identities, especially when it comes to legal proceedings? If these questions intrigue you, then this episode is perfect for you. Join me as I discuss the profound impact of client self-image on case testimony, how a client’s perception of themselves can significantly alter their behavior, and how jurors' immediate judgments can adversely affect a case. I’m also offering gentle strategies that attorneys can adopt to tackle these issues.
Moving on to the realm of dual identities, we unravel how they can emerge in legal cases and their implications, including a case study about a client who had to grapple with two contrasting identities, and the eventual resolution that led to positive outcomes. We break down the confusion between identity and reputation, and why self-awareness is important. Join me for this illuminating discussion that unlocks the psychological dimensions of trial preparation.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Client self-image and testimony impact
- Navigating dual identities and perceptions in a legal case
- How self-awareness and reputation can become twisted up in our minds
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
"You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Badass%C2%AE-Doubting-Greatness/dp/0762447699
Winning Case Preparation: Understanding Jury Bias: https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Case-Preparation-Understanding-Jury/dp/B07L1X7XST
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Unlock the secret of success in the courtroom: thorough client preparation. This episode is a wake-up call for all attorneys who underestimate the importance of client deposition or role at mediation. We unravel why investing your time in understanding the client's mindset can turn the tables in your favor and cement trust. The true value of a lawyer isn't just represented by the number of cases they successfully close, but also by their ability to prioritize client experiences.
We also devolve into how attorneys can efficiently prepare their clients for depositions and mediations. It's a harsh reality that due to insufficient guidance from their lawyers, clients often resort to platforms like YouTube for answers. We put a full stop to this common occurrence, stressing the necessity of having at least two preparatory meetings. By taking control of their cases and ensuring a smooth client experience, we, as lawyers, can significantly bolster their reputation and increase their case value. Stride into this episode as we unveil the keys to successful client preparation and testimony.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of client preparation and perception
- How lawyers can better prepare clients for cases
- How to avoid YouTube searches from clients and ensure client satisfaction
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Do you have a question? Or an idea for a podcast episode? Please email Elizabeth directly: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Did you know that your wardrobe could be the key to professional success? Get ready to unlock the powerful potential of personal style on our latest episode with image consultant Joseph Rosenfeld. Joseph sheds light on his personal journey, revealing how a chance encounter with the Official Preppy Handbook at 15 shaped his unique sense of style and in turn, his approach to consulting. He takes us through his experiences at Neiman Marcus in Chicago, where his interactions with lawyers and wealthy clients refined his skills. He also shares the secret sauce to his client interactions - helping them find their integrity in personal and professional spaces.
We dive headfirst into the art of dressing for the courtroom. Joseph underscores the critical role of storytelling in fashion, the challenges lawyers face keeping up with changing trends, and the importance of understanding the courtroom culture. We unravel the theatrics of court appearances and discuss why it's crucial for lawyers to be relatable and believable. Joseph also challenges some antiquated advice on the type of appearance that lawyers still adhere to, providing fresh perspectives on dressing for success.
We also explore the immense power of personal image in the legal profession. Joseph draws upon his expertise to explain how an individual's personality and style can be harnessed to create a look that reflects their self-image. He discusses how the right colors and styles can sow seeds of credibility and trust for potential clients. We also delve into the complexities of keeping up-to-date with fashion trends and identifying archetypes that best suit a lawyer's personality and style. Finally, we touch on the potential of a well-curated image to change perceptions, even for those with a tarnished reputation. So, gear up for an enlightening discussion and tune in now!
In this episode, you will hear:
- Dressing challenges for trial lawyers
- The significance of multiple impressions
- Theatrics of court and the need for lawyers to be relatable and believable
- Understanding personality and style for creating a custom look to portray credibility and trustworthiness
- Discovering fashion trends to create a powerful, confident look for litigators
- Maximizing wardrobe potential
- Eye color in courtroom representation
- The power of personal clothing choices
- Benefits of opaque tights and nylons
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you want to learn more about Joseph Rosenfeld please connect with him on LinkedIn or visit his website https://www.josephrosenfeld.com/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Are you wielding the full power of focus groups in your legal practice? Buckle up as we deep dive into the intriguing world of conducting focus groups, a bona fide tool for successful legal advocacy. We chew the cud on the art of maintaining neutrality amidst challenging conversations and the exploration of jurors’ diverse opinions. Riding on the wave of our experiences, we delve into the importance of understanding the unsaid and the challenges in extrapolating data from a focus group to an entire case.
Imagine if you could simplify legal jargon into a persuasive story that hooks your focus group. That's exactly what we’re going to demystify in this episode. Learn how to tell your client’s story in a compelling manner that cuts through the noise of legalese and reaches the hearts of your audience. We also underline the importance of tuning into what isn’t being said. Plus, we share our tips on how to champion your clients' cause using the power of persuasive language. To wrap it all up, we’ll be discussing the significance of closely listening to the unsaid in focus groups. This is a not-to-be-missed episode for anyone looking to elevate their legal practice!
In this episode, you will hear:
- How to improve communication through focus groups
- Ways for effective communication and simplifying legal terminology
- Paying close attention to what is not said in focus groups
- How to use persuasive language to advocate for our clients
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Unearth the inside scoop of the courtroom as I sit down with the formidable Andrew Gould. We unpack our mutual experiences, including a mind-bending incident at Shoney's restaurant. As successful trial lawyers, we delve into ways we've learned to connect with juries and clients, enhancing our courtroom prowess, and even share a tale or two about a memorable expert witness.
Ever wondered how resilience and repetition breed success in the legal world? Andrew and I share our candid insights on learning from failures, powered by invaluable lessons from trials and tribulations. Diving into the craftsmanship of narrative-building and handling high-stakes opposition, we explore the essence of trial preparation and the indomitable power of practice. We also tease out the nuances of narrative and adversarial focus groups, their pros and cons, and how they shape the path to victory in the courtroom.
In the final stretch of our conversation, we dissect the role of focus groups in the trial preparation process. From practicality and expenses to the invaluable knowledge they provide, discover how these groups can be a game-changer in the legal landscape. We discuss the benefits of collaboration, the importance of silence and listening, and the significance of adapting to the feedback from these groups. Strap in as we weave through the intricate maze of trials, focus groups, and the relentless journey of personal growth as a trial lawyer.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of connecting with juries and clients to improve courtroom abilities.
- Trial preparation and practice in shaping lawyers, viewing failure as a stepping stone to success.
- Differentiating between narrative and adversarial focus groups, understanding their pros, cons, and application in jury selection and trial preparation.
- Emphasizing the significance of collaboration and repetition in conducting focus groups.
- Highlighting the importance of listening and using silence to an attorney's advantage.
- Analyzing the feasibility and costs of conducting focus groups and the role of narrative and adversarial focus groups in providing vital data for jury selection.
- Memorable anecdotes from trials and discussing the importance of preparation, especially in adversarial focus groups.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Grief affects us all differently and can manifest in many ways beyond the loss itself. In this episode, I’m sharing valuable insights on how to better communicate with and support clients experiencing grief, how grief shows up mentally and physically for clients, and some practical tips for avoiding common communication pitfalls.
As lawyers, we can better support our clients by learning to communicate with empathy and understanding. By listening without judgment, we can help clients identify and name their losses, and provide education and resources. With these simple strategies, we can make a real difference for our clients navigating grief and loss.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Grief as a normal reaction to any loss or change, like loss of job, health, or freedom
- How grief manifests mentally with reduced focus, isolation, emotional rollercoaster, and numbness.
- How grief manifests physically with disturbed sleep, eating changes, body aches, and fatigue
- "I can't imagine how you feel" vs. "I know how you feel"
- Helping clients identify and name their losses – tangible or intangible
- Asking clients to tell you their story and listening without judgment
- Avoid common myths like "stay busy" or "be strong."
- Provide clients with education on grief and resources.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To learn more about Grief and The Grief Recovery Method visit: www.griefrecovery.com
To download the free e-book on grief, visit: https://larricklawfirm.com/grief-recovery/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Have you ever been told, in the midst of loss or grief, to 'stay busy' or 'give it time'? This episode explores how such childhood messages shape our perceptions of grief and loss. We'll be unpacking these often confusing and unhelpful strategies, shining a revealing light on how they can negatively impact our adult responses to grief. Then, we'll be discussing ways to reframe these ingrained messages and come up with supportive strategies that promote healthier processing of grief.
Next, we'll venture into some invisible backpacks of unprocessed emotions, a weight we unknowingly carry from childhood. We'll uncover how these emotional burdens can manifest as short-term energy-relieving behaviors. Maybe you've noticed yourself overeating, drinking more, or shopping excessively.
As professionals in the legal field, we'll dig deep into how our clients' behaviors can be connected to these emotions and how we can help them navigate their grief. This episode is a heartfelt journey for anyone, lawyer or not, seeking a better understanding of grief and its complex layers.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Ways we've been told incorrectly during childhood to deal with grief
- Why time doesn’t heal grief; and what does?
- Invisible backpacks of childhood emotions
- Short-term energy-relieving behaviors and how lawyers can help clients process them
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To learn more about Grief and The Grief Recovery Method visit: www.griefrecovery.com
To download the free e-book on grief, visit: https://larricklawfirm.com/grief-recovery/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Have you ever thought about the role grief plays in our lives, especially in a legal context? As a seasoned trial lawyer, I’m shedding light on this often-overlooked facet of litigation. Grief is not just a reaction to death, but a universal response to loss. From wrongful death cases to personal injury disputes, this emotional journey can be a complex maze. In this series, I guide you through my own experience with grief recovery, offering lessons that can aid your personal journey or provide understanding for your clients.
We go beyond the conventional understanding of grief, debunking the myth of universal stages and exploring how it can be triggered by both tangible and intangible losses - a business split or a criminal case, for instance.
It's time to realize that lawyers and their clients may not be cognizant of their own grief, and how it can be navigated. If you're a trial lawyer or anyone grappling with loss, this series presents a fresh perspective on grief and recovery. So, let's journey together through this complex spectrum of human emotion.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Understanding grief and its many forms
- Understanding grief in trial law
- Misunderstandings about grief and loss
- Expanding the definition of grief
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To learn more about Grief and The Grief Recovery Method visit: www.griefrecovery.com
To download the free e-book on grief, visit: https://larricklawfirm.com/grief-recovery/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Ever wondered how the legal world and technology intersect? Well, get ready to demystify that as we chat with John Rubin, an innovator changing the game in the legal scene. A seasoned lawyer and entrepreneur, John brings an in-depth look at how he's leveraged his experiences in the courtroom to create ground-breaking tools for attorneys and mediators.
Join us as we navigate the legal landscape with John, exploring the concept of LitX (Litigation Exchange), a brilliant tool designed to enhance the efficiency of mediation. Probing deeper, we get to unveil the inner workings of LitX, its robust features, and how it's poised to transform the legal field. From its seamless integration with case management software to its secure, HIPAA-compliant environment, LitX is more than just a tool—it's a game changer.
But the conversation doesn't stop there. Together, we unravel the future of legal case management and how LitX is leading the charge. With its freemium model and potential integrations, we delve into how John envisions the platform's evolution. Whether you're a lawyer, a mediator, or a technology enthusiast, this episode offers a unique perspective that you wouldn't want to miss. So, buckle up and join us for this enlightening conversation with John Rubin, and let's unearth the future of law and technology together!
In this episode, you will hear:
- Becoming a full-time mediator
- Impact of startups on patients
- Chess game-like case management platform
- Inviting and sharing documents on LitX
- Cost-saving solution for the insurance industry
- Limitations of ChatGPT for legal research
- Creating LitX and an overview of LitX platform features
- Legal case management software features
- Freemium model and future integrations
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you want to learn more about LitX or try it for free, please visit: www.litx.legal
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Imagine being able to improve your trial practice by utilizing DIY focus groups - well, that's exactly what our guest, Clint Schumacher, has been doing. As an attorney specializing in eminent domain cases, Clint shares his fascinating journey of implementing focus groups to enhance his practice, and how Zoom has become an essential tool in facilitating them. We also take a deep dive into recruitment strategies, discussing the importance of finding the right participants and sharing the tips and tricks Clint has learned along the way.
When it comes to condemnation cases, people's emotional reactions are often at the forefront. Clint and I discuss the complexities of these cases, the inherent bias against the government taking property, and how to gauge the emotional value of a particular property case in order to better communicate with the jury. We also explore the scaling question, which measures how much people care about the case, as well as the importance of communicating facts clearly in focus groups.
Setting up a virtual focus group may seem daunting, but we cover everything you need to know, from the geographic area to be sampled to the recruitment process and the electronic confidentiality form used. We also discuss the challenges of finding participants in rural areas and how Clint and his team have been successful in using Facebook ads and Google forms for recruitment. Finally, we touch on the challenges of virtual focus groups, the strategies needed to handle them, and the undeniable importance of focus groups for trial lawyers. Don't miss this engaging and informative conversation!
In this episode, you will hear:
- DIY focus groups for trial lawyers
- Measuring emotional engagement in focus groups
- Virtual focus group process and challenges
- Managing remote meeting disruptions
- DIY focus groups for lawyers
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Clint Schumacher
DAWSON & SODD, PLLC
8333 Douglas Avenue #380
Dallas, Texas 75225
Email: clint@dawsonsodd.com
Phone: 214-373-8181
Fax: 214-217-4230
Licensed in Texas and Oklahoma
The Eminent Domain Podcast - http://www.eminentdomainpodcast.com/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
It's a new year and it's time to look at new opportunities and new ideas for you to plug in and use. Today, let’s start with the best time to run focus groups. Sure, you can run a focus group at any time. But if you want to get the most out of it, there are actually six spots to run a focus group in your case.
These are great places to help you prepare the case better. You may not get through to the trial and just get through mediation. But these are all opportunities for you to grow the case better and to help you look at things with a new set of eyes. You can always do more – or less, but at least do one or two to have that outside perspective that will help keep you moving along.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Running a focus group during case planning (before the lawsuit)
- What to focus on after key deposition testimony
- Why do short focus groups 30 days before mediation
- The purpose of a focus group 90 days before the end of discovery
- Things to consider 60 days before trial
- What to do 30 days before trial
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or suggestions, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Have you ever wondered how to set up a focus group system that not only saves you money but also provides invaluable feedback for your courtroom success? In this episode, I share my insights and experiences on creating your very own focus group that will help you improve your skills and case strategies. I cover the non-economic damages model, the confusion around it, and how it could create gaps in your case. Plus, I discuss how to eliminate a defense argument and even add facts to your case from the focus group feedback.
We dive deeper into strategies for ensuring reliable feedback from your focus groups, such as preventing repeats, providing clear instructions, and utilizing the right tools for communication, payment, hosting meetings, and advertising. By treating participants with respect and making it easy for them to participate, you can guarantee they're engaged and providing honest feedback. Listen as I discuss how these strategies can help you get the practice and feedback needed for courtroom success.
Lastly, I touch on streamlining focus group logistics by suggesting the use of tools like PayPal, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Dropbox. To help you get started, I'm offering a free download of my questionnaire. So hit play and join me in this episode to learn how to optimize your focus group system and ultimately improve your abilities in the courtroom. Don't forget to leave a review and follow the podcast to help others find it!
In this episode, you will hear:
- Learning from focus groups
- The value of having a Gmail account
- Setting up and managing focus groups
- Ways to improve communication and directions
- How to select from a diverse focus group participants
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Please follow this link to download the Virtual Focus Group Checklist: https://fantastic-designer-3528.ck.page/635800b2c4
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Discover the secrets to successfully recruiting focus group participants in our fascinating conversation with Rhonda, a seasoned virtual assistant based in Charleston, South Carolina. Learn how our innovative recruitment system, utilizing platforms like Craigslist and Facebook, has proven effective in drawing in participants from various locations across the US. Rhonda's own experience as a focus group participant drives her passion for helping others find the perfect candidates for their groups.
In this episode, you will learn:
- The importance of advertising and maintaining an active Facebook page for focus group recruitment.
- How to utilize Google Forms and questionnaires to vet potential participants.
- The benefits of using a step-by-step email sequence to confirm attendance and manage expectations.
- The necessity of maintaining a master list and a no list to ensure proper eligibility and successful participation.
- How to handle payments through platforms like PayPal and Venmo, and stream line communication using email templates.
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Roleplaying is a versatile technique that can be employed to prepare for challenging scenarios, including cross-examinations and depositions. As trial lawyers, it is an effective tool that can improve our preparedness to handle complex legal situations.
Today's discussion will focus on roleplay's application in getting clients ready for testimony, whether it is for a deposition or trial. Christopher Russo, a seasoned lawyer with 32 years of experience, will be joining us to share his insights on this aspect of client preparation.
During our session, we will delve into the common stumbling blocks that can arise during a deposition and explore techniques to avoid them. We will also discuss how gauging the personalities of our clients can aid in choosing the most effective roleplaying techniques.
Our conversation centers on the value of roleplaying with clients, the importance of taking breaks during the process, and the benefits of roleplaying the deposition. By examining these topics, we hope to establish a more comprehensive understanding of how roleplaying can be utilized to enhance client confidence and performance in the courtroom.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The common stumbling blocks in the deposition
- Gauging the personalities of your patients
- The value of roleplaying with a client
- Roleplaying the deposition
- The importance of taking breaks
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have a question or a case in Rhode Island, please reach out to Christopher crusso@kirshenbaumri.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Erlich, an employment lawyer out in California, and we talk about a book we both read called “Influence is Your Superpower.” The author, Zoe Chance, put a lot of her research into this book about influence and the psychology of influence. As trial lawyers, we've got to deal with jurors, and we've got clients and influence adjusters. And so, this was a great book for me.
Most people feel very uncomfortable trying to influence others. Reading the book and her ideas and approach, you will find that this is all about brain science. Basically, it gives us an understanding of how our brains work and how we can apply some of our thoughts, as trial lawyers, in talking to jurors, opposing counsel, mediators, or whoever else. It's also interesting how this could be applied in your personal life.
It's always coming from a frame of good influence. She talks a lot about her class and what she has her class do, including a couple of experiments that they do. So it's a very fun, light read where you will also find some interesting and applicable concepts.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The gator brain vs the judge brain
- How to deal with a juror who disagrees with you
- How to deal with a juror who is bad for you
- The importance of focus groups in detecting a liar
- How to deal with disagreement in focus groups
- How we say things and ask people
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Learn more about the author Zoe Chance:
www.ZoeChance.com
Purchase the book Influence is Your SuperPower:https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Your-Superpower-Science-Sparking/dp/B0977SM1QZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6UMI53ZQAE1C&keywords=zoe+chance&qid=1683921866&sprefix=zoe+chanc%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-1
Big Thanks to Guest Jason Erlich!
If you would like to learn more about Jason and his practice please visit his website: https://erlich.lawyer/attorneys/jason-erlich/
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In this episode, we explore how focus group clips can be used as tools in mediations. Specifically, I’m sharing five simple things that we can do as plaintiff's lawyers to help our mediations, as presented by a loved and respected mediator on both sides of the aisle.
Learn about virtual versus in-person mediations and strategies for client preparation, such as sending a demand before the mediation. The episode also covers negotiation styles and risk ranges on a case, as well as how to effectively use focus group clips in mediation. With the growing prevalence of virtual mediations, you’re also going to pick up some valuable tips for navigating this format and achieving successful outcomes.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Virtual mediations vs. in-person mediations
- Ways to prepare your client for the mediation
- Sending a demand before the mediation
- Negotiation styles (ex. positional bargaining and principled negotiation)
- The ranges of risk on a case
- How to use focus group clips for mediation
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
When we're preparing a client for testimony, whether for deposition or trial, there are basic concepts you need to keep in mind. As trial lawyers, we could be so engulfed in a lot of things that sometimes, we need to step back and look at things from a ground-level perspective.
In this episode, I’m going to discuss these three basic concepts: teaching, communication, and timing. We’re going to touch on the power of visuals, the things that go into preparing for deposition, and how one-on-one meetings can help clients understand what they’re asking. We want to make sure that we nail down some of these concepts before we get into content.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Teaching: Use of visual aids, writing vs. reading
- The value in creating a timeline
- Understanding people’s learning styles: auditory, visual, or combined
- Using legal and medical terms
- Keeping clients from information overload or TMI
- Communication: Primacy and recency
- Timing: When to start and repetition
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Don't skip out on measuring the credibility of your witnesses and seeing the power of influence that they have over the decision-makers in your case. And one of the best ways to do that is through witness clips.
In this episode, we discuss the importance and the usability of witness clips in a focus group. Through witness preparation, you can create a more effective focus group by giving your client a better understanding of how they are perceived by outsiders. Witness clips can help them identify areas where they need to improve their credibility and provide insights into how they can present themselves better in a focus group setting.
Let’s dive in and learn how the use of witness clips is an essential component of witness preparation so you can help make your focus group more effective and efficient. By being properly prepared, your client can make the most out of their participation in the focus group and ultimately provide you with more valuable insights into your research.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Witness preparation is key.
- The importance of keeping a clear mind
- Understanding the value and power of witness testimony
- Why start using video clips in focus groups
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
When you're going to get ready for trial, and you're building your team to help you pick a jury, you don't actually need a lot of people. Perhaps one to three people would suffice. Building a small group will help things become more structured for you. That being said, you’ve got to pick people that match up with your ideology on picking a jury altogether. Then let them in on what would help you best as a lawyer.
In this episode, I’m sharing my recent experience of helping a fellow lawyer pick a jury. They wanted my perspective as a female trial lawyer so I decided to show up. There were a couple of things that happened on the fly that I’m going to share here, which are things you may want to consider as you’re building your own team for jury selection.
In this episode, you will hear:
- A strategy that worked well
- Different ways of taking notes
- Things to consider when you’re building a team
- The benefits of taking notes and having notetakers
- Why you want to only build a small group
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
None of us are smart enough for our audience to even remember anything we've ever said. They're not going to remember anything, but they will remember how we made them feel. Hence, having that sixth sense is what separates great attorneys from the not-so-great.
While you’ll never be able to figure jurors out, you can always at least get a better idea of what is going right and what is going wrong in the cases you’re handling. If you're interviewing and you want to have a positive result in anything, you should have some background or understanding of that audience.
In today’s discussion, I’m joined by Lucas Foust to talk all about focus groups, the different focus groups they’re using, and how using them has become a valuable resource.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Their process of running focus groups
- The value of figuring out your hits
- The power of using videos in focus groups
- The benefits of running virtual focus groups
- The impact of using checklists
- Valuable time vs. busy work
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Lucas Foust
Lfoust@foustlaw.net
Website: https://www.lucasfoustlaw.com/
www.rev.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Many successful attorneys learned to be successful by being louder and stronger. And for women, being louder and stronger doesn't necessarily mean success. Sometimes louder and stronger means aggressive and shrill.
In today's episode, Rena Cook joins us to talk about how she helps women attorneys command a great deal of authority and strength without being shrill, and how you, too, can improve your voice as a trial lawyer.
Rena Cook is a TEDx speaker, author, trainer, coach, and the founder of Vocal Authority, a training consultancy serving corporate clients – attorneys, politicians, teachers, sales teams, and CEOs – who want to use their voices in more commanding and authentic ways.
Rena is the author of Empower Your Voice: For Women in Business, Politics, and Life; Her Voice in Law published by the ABA; and Voice and the Young Actor, used in drama programs throughout the US and the UK. She co-edited Breath in Action: The Art of Breath in Vocal and Holistic Practice. Rena taught high school drama for 16 years before she graduated to higher education.
For the next two decades, she taught professionally bound actors, many of whom can be seen on Broadway, film, and television. Through Vocal Authority, Rena adapts actor training techniques to help individuals and groups be more confident and dynamic communicators.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Breathing deeply to keep the brain engaged
- The importance of the last word of sentences
- Techniques using breath and space to improve your voice
- The power of change and variety
- Common mistakes people make with their voice
- How to plan out your movement on transitions
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Rena Cook
Email: renacook@cox.net
Website: www.myvocalauthority.com
Book: Her Voice in Law Purchase here
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
One of the most effective ways lawyers and other businesses can reach their audience is through podcasting. But without the right tools, the right people, and a clear purpose as to why you’re doing this, it can be so easy to get overwhelmed and lose focus on why you started the podcast in the first place.
Joining us today is podcast producer Danny Ozment and he talks all about podcasting – the benefits of having a podcast, how you can maximize your content, and some strategies to make sure you’re able to produce content consistently.
As a business owner himself, Danny is aware that he can’t do everything on his own, otherwise his business is never going to grow. And so, he has been advocating for people to do the same, regardless of the industry they’re in.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Reasons many podcasts don’t make it past 15 episodes
- How to deal with a creativity block
- What is ordinary to you is magic to someone else.
- The value of repurposing content and how it works
- Tools you can use to help you with repurposing content
- How podcasting can help you with the trust factor
- The power of niching down your podcast to a specific audience
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
As trial lawyers, we can't be stagnant. People change, cultures change, our jurors change, and how they process information changes. And so, as trial lawyers, our profession is one where we have to keep working on it until we decide we're done.
Joining today's episode are Patricia Kuendig and Tanya Ortega to talk all about cross-exam – the importance of sequencing your cross-examination chapters, the basic structure of a cross-exam, and how to deal with objectors. They also share the value of a game plan with your cross-exam, which allows you to be much more organized and quicker.
They also talk about women empowerment and how they're creating a collaborative community of women trial lawyers, because there's so much comfort in knowing that you're not alone. Hopefully, these women can tap into the magic that they can create in the courtroom, which is also very different from their male counterparts. As women lawyers, there's something that we can bring to trials and to our practice, that men cannot. And so, we need to harness that, live the truth, and be the future of the practice.
Patricia has a diverse practice in almost every field, helping a lot of folks all over the country. Whereas Tanya does a lot of Personal Injury cases and Trust Litigation. She also handles Personal Injury, with a specialty in brain injuries.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of sequencing your cross-examination chapters
- How to keep your tone in focus groups
- Advice on how to deal with super objectors
- Collaborating with other women attorneys
- How to put together a cross-examination
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you are interested in attending the September 28 - Oct 1, 2023 cross-exam workshop “She Crosses” please email Patricia or Tanya directly.
Patricia Kuendig
Email: Patricia@kuendiglaw.com
Learn more: https://www.doddandkuendig.com/our-attorneys/patricia-kuendig/
Tanya Ortega
Email: Tanya@theortegafirm.com
Learn more: https://theortegafirm.com/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Jury selection: either trial lawyers hate it – or love it. Although many trial lawyers are afraid of it, jury selection never gets old. You will be getting different stories, different personalities, and different answers each time. But it takes a lot of practice to get better at it. The skills required for it are learned, practiced, and honed for hours and hours.
Today’s guest, Laurie Koller, a practicing lawyer for 31 years now, shares her experiences doing jury selection and the things she loves about it the most.
Laurie talks about the importance of running focus groups in jury selection as well as the benefits of hiring a voice coach. She also talks about the book that she co-wrote with Rena Cook, called Her Voice in Law, which teaches vocal technique, especially for women in the courtroom.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What it was like going through the pandemic in Oklahoma
- Her experience working with David Ball
- The benefits of getting a voice coach
- The importance of having awareness of time
- Tips for running focus groups in jury selection
- What you can do to get better at jury selection
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Laurie Koller
Laurie@kollertriallaw.com
https://kollertriallaw.com/about-koller-trial-law/
Her Voice in Law by Laurie Koller and Rena Cook
https://www.americanbar.org/products/inv/book/393310705/
Rena Cook https://myvocalauthority.com/about/
Lexlee Overton https://mindoverlaw.com/about/
Theater for Trial by David Ball and Joshua Karton https://www.trialguides.com/collections/books/products/theater-for-trial
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Creating opening statements is one of the common problems we see as trial lawyers. Opening statements are the first look that the jurors have at the case. Naturally, you would talk to them about principles and circumstances, and maybe some rules in jury selection. But a lot of times, once we get to the opening statement, it can get long and drawn out.
In this episode, I’m going to talk about some questions you need to ask yourself as you’re fine-tuning your opening statement, to make sure you get your message across to the jurors without leaving them all confused and frustrated.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The “mousetrap” opening statement
- Understanding the depth of information, knowledge, or experience of the jurors with the facts and circumstances of the case
- Checking how many times you’re repeating things
- The importance of identifying your strongest points
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
For a more detailed analysis of the Mouse Trap opening Statement check out this blog: https://larricklawfirm.com/avoiding-the-mouse-trap-opening-statement/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In today's episode, we talk about focus groups to do for trial, whether that's 30 days or 60 days before your trial date. You may also choose to do this earlier. But most of the time, there are pending motions that need to be rolled on, such as mediations that people need to get through to get to the point and for them to really speak their minds.
Listen in to know more about the different focus groups that are geared towards trial and what each focus group entails. The whole purpose of this focus group is because you're going to trial. Therefore, you have to put in the commitment and the legwork needed for you to get the information you need.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What a mock trial looks like and its purpose
- A modified approach to a mock trial or an adversarial group
- Opening statements of the two parties and discussions based on them
- Examples of ways to prepare for trial
- The value of demonstrative evidence
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Having before and after witnesses is very useful to help tell your client's story without having your client tell their story, and talk about damages in a way that your client just can't. It does a good job of being able to talk about the changes in your client's life in an authentic way, without carrying that stigma that your client does when they try to talk about it. So it does the heavy lifting of telling the story of the damages.
As trial lawyers, it’s important that we’re able to build a level of trust and comfort with our clients and witnesses. But building that relationship just doesn’t happen overnight.
In today’s conversation, Courtney Wilson takes a deep dive into the three-step process for building trust with your before and after witnesses. Courtney currently practices personal injury law and medical malpractice law in Mississippi.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Finding two to three people talking about the client’s experience
- How to build trust with your before and after witnesses
- The importance of explaining the why of the case
- Assignments for your witnesses to get more information
- Why stories are more compelling than an expert talking about the injury
- Managing the fears and concerns of before and after witnesses
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Courtney Wilson
courtney@tyneslawfirm.com
Tynes Law Firm
https://www.tyneslawfirm.com/courtney-parker-wilson/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
There are a ton of reasons that a trial could be delayed and reset, whether that’s continuances due to scheduling conflicts, the witnesses being on vacation, or whatever. At a certain point, after the second continuance, you start to get a little fatigued, almost burnt out on the case, and you begin to lose motivation. Burnout is real, and so is trial continuance fatigue. And so, how do we prevent this from happening as trial lawyers and keep the momentum of the case?
In this episode, we're going to tackle trial continuance fatigue with our guest, Bijan Darvish, who practices employment law in Orange County, California. Prior to lawyering, Bijan was previously a police officer who was unfortunately wrongfully accused and had to go through the process that an employee would have to go through to clear his name. He went through the criminal process where he got fully acquitted, then he had to go through suing his employer, for which he also was successful in doing. All that experience and process that opened his eyes led him to go into law school.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What is continuance fatigue?
- The benefits of creating a schedule
- Switching things up for the focus groups
- The benefits of focus groups
- How to shorten the opening statement
- The value of having a transcript
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Episode 061: Jason Erlich and Crafting a Client Direct Exam
https://larricklawfirm.com/jason-erlich-and-crafting-a-client-direct-exam
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Bijan Darvish
Law Office of Bijan Darvish, APC
17011 Beach Blvd., Suite 900
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Email: bijan@darvishlaw.net
Website: www.darvishlaw.net
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Continuing this trial series today, we talk about trial management and organization, specifically, about organizing your team, organizing documents, and how to manage that day-to-day change with your team. As you replicate trial organization over and over, it helps the trial team handle uncertainties and changes as well as focus more on the key things they need to prioritize.
Trials have different levels of management due to a number of variables – the number of witnesses, the duration of each trial, and even the types of trials (wrongful death, medical malpractice, or premises liability). But no matter what, applying the exact same strategy for organizing people and documents is one of the keys to achieving success.
When you start this organization at a smaller level, it's just going to make it easier to apply it when it gets to a bigger level with more information, more people, and more documents to manage.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Forming the team and identifying each one’s designation
- Using the binder system for organizing people and documents
- The importance of team meetings after the trial
- The deposition designations and motions
- Managing the day-to-day life of a trial
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Opening statements are one of the coolest things in that the plaintiff can go first procedurally. The question is how can you take advantage of being first?
In today’s episode, we discuss the ways that lawyers can lose the advantage of being first. Many trial lawyers have this tendency to have long opening statements that can bore the jurors. Therefore, you don’t want to lose their attention, confuse them, or frustrate them.
We also talk about how to craft a great opening statement. An audience will forgive your delivery if your content is good. But they can't forgive you if both your content and delivery suck. So you want to make sure you’re able to plan out your content really well to make sure you don’t miss anything,
In this episode, you will hear:
- Ways you can lose the advantage of being first
- The importance of writing your opening statement on paper
- The benefits of typing what you’ve handwritten
- Why print and edit it handwritten
- Things to add to your content
- The benefits of running a focus group for your opening statement
- Examples of cases that highlight the power of a great opening statement
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Have a topic for a podcast episode? Question for Elizabeth? Email her directly: Elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Preparing and working with the client is so critical to a good direct exam. Success starts with our clients going in with a mindset that the jury consists of smart people who can smell good versus bad. Therefore, they just have to set their fears aside and trust the process. We also have to ask enough questions to get the information we need while making them feel at ease and comfortable. The challenge is to keep the direct exam conversational and simple.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Jason Erlich, an employment attorney who exclusively represents workers who have been treated wrongfully. Jason handles cases related to workplace disputes, such as wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, sexual harassment, and class action lawsuits.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The three things that make a successful direct client exam
- Eliciting an emotional response from a client
- Preparing direct exam questions
- Things to prioritize for the direct exam
- Making last-minute changes to your questions based on the opening statement and witness testimony
- Visual aids he used in the courtroom
- Free-flow questioning vs. sticking to a script
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Website: https://erlich.lawyer/attorneys/jason-erlich/
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
As trial lawyers, it's important to remind ourselves about our goals for preparation for any case event. Even when that person has been deposed before or they've been to a hearing before, it's still best that we provide them with a roadmap.
First, make sure to teach them about what the whole event is and how it fits into the case. Then talk about what they can expect and correct any bad expectations if they have any. Ultimately, you want to gear them up for their role.
Either way, it's a give-and-take conversation. Otherwise, people will hold on to misinformation or misconception that causes confusion, and sometimes anger when it doesn't go the way they think it's supposed to. The last thing you want to do with any client is to shut them down.
In this episode, I’m going to discuss the things that we could be doing, whether consciously or subconsciously, that can shut people down – and some ways we could do better as trial lawyers.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How to avoid interrupting people
- Why client comparison shuts down a client
- Things to consider when using yourself as an example
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
We spend a lot of time working up our cases. We spend a lot of hours on discovery and go into deposition testimony to form that strategy, that we can test with focus groups. But if we get unreliable feedback, then it’s just a waste of our energy, time, and resources.
In this episode, we're going to talk about the four factors that can cause unreliable feedback from focus groups, and what you should do to avoid them. The ultimate goal is to always have quality feedback so we can rely on it, use it, put it into our cases, format it, and make our cases better.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why you need to avoid repeat participants
- Revealing your back office
- Planting things that hold the presentation down
- Delivering information in a way that allows them to process it
- Using visual aids in your presentation to keep the people engaged
- Being careful with slanted questions
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
It's a new year and it's time to look at new opportunities and new ideas for you to plug in and use. Today, let’s start with the best time to run focus groups. Sure, you can run a focus group at any time. But if you want to get the most out of it, there are actually six spots to run a focus group in your case.
These are great places to help you prepare the case better. You may not get through to the trial and just get through mediation. But these are all opportunities for you to grow the case better and to help you look at things with a new set of eyes. You can always do more – or less, but at least do one or two to have that outside perspective that will help keep you moving along.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Running a focus group during case planning (before the lawsuit)
- What to focus on after key deposition testimony
- Why do short focus groups 30 days before mediation
- The purpose of a focus group 90 days before the end of discovery
- Things to consider 60 days before trial
- What to do 30 days before trial
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or suggestions, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing 22 lessons from 2022 – things that I have picked up on this year, things I have studied, and things where I just had some aha moments. These are valuable lessons that have helped me and my practice big time – from keeping up to date with technology and using visuals in focus groups and even during prep – all the way to letting go of toxic clients, investing in a coach to help you level up, and investing for retirement.
It’s so easy to get lost and forget all the things we’ve learned from previous years. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to reflect on these and potentially use them as our basis for creating next year’s strategies and game plans as we move on to the future.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Double-checking your technology for uploading documents
- How virtual assistants can help you
- How to solve spam coming in from focus groups
- The power of using visual aids and videos
- Mindset is key for lawyers – and clients
- Using visuals for preparation
- Letting go of toxic clients
- Investing in a coach to help get you to the next level
- Looking for ways to save for retirement
- Why you need to have a visual aid for timelines
- Making a conscious effort to take a vacation
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Influence is Your Superpower by Zoe Chance
https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Your-Superpower-Science-Sparking/dp/198485433X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=influence+is+your+superpower&qid=1671565291&sprefix=influence+your+super%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1
Retire before Mom & Dad by Rob Berger
https://www.amazon.com/Retire-Before-Mom-Dad-Financial-ebook/dp/B07VB1BK8F/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=UUO8ZAOEP3EZ&keywords=retire+before+mom+and+dad&qid=1564601105&s=gateway&sprefix=retire+before,aps,126&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=retirebeforemomanddad-20&linkId=7f2d2d6a248a27bac88ee463fccdde1b&language=en_US
www.slack.com
https://otter.ai/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
As a trial lawyer, what is your mindset around deposition preparation? Today, we focus our discussion around that. Lawyers have different mindsets going into deposition preparation. You want to get the most value from every single case but it's also important to do things using a humanistic approach.
At the end of the day, our mindset should be focused on helping our client as they go through seemingly difficult chapters in their lives. They're probably going through something horrible, whether that's related to employment, injury, or a business situation – that’s impacting their life. And as their lawyer, you’re there to help them deal with whatever legal situation they’re in.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The different mindsets lawyers have when approaching deposition
- Selling your case is a disappointing mindset
- The importance of shifting your mindset and using a humanistic approach
- How your 30-minute conversations reflect the value you want to have
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
As we’re approaching 2023, this is the perfect time for planning, especially if you have cases that are going to be filed in 2023. And one useful case planning tool is a pre-litigation focus group.
Maybe you’ve had this case for a couple of months now and you’ve done a little bit of investigating. So you have a little understanding of the facts around what happened, but you haven't actually filed the case yet. This can also be the time for you to use a pre-litigation focus group for more in-depth planning.
The perfect time to use a focus group is when you have the information that allows you to make some predictions, and there aren't any huge missing facts going on so you can pretty well predict the damages.
In this episode, I’m going to discuss planning for focus groups before you file a case, the importance of a pre-litigation focus group, what it looks like, what things you need to be looking for, and the benefits of using it.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What happens during the pre-litigation focus group
- Questions to ask and where to gather more information
- Factoring in your expenses in terms of time and money
- Ways to pick a case for a pre-litigation focus group
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Email with questions? Elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Download for FREE the Virtual FG Checklist https://fantastic-designer-3528.ck.page/635800b2c4
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
As a trial lawyer, you probably know what goes into client preparation like the back of your hand but there could still be things missing in your process that you wish to improve on.
In this episode, I’m going to discuss four simple advice tips for successful client prep. These are simple yet sometimes overlooked, tried and true tips for nearly every single client and every single case.
These are small things you don’t want to miss during client preparation so you can learn more about the client, have an easier time preparing the case, and have more success at your client depositions.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why you should prepare the client alone
- The pitfalls of preparing people together
- Giving the client homework before the first client preparation session
- The importance of creating timelines together and making them interactive
- Breaking down the client preparation into two sessions
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Got a suggestion for an episode? Question to ponder? Email Elizabeth Elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Bonding versus preparing a client for deposition are two things that we are told we need to do as trial lawyers to set ourselves up for success. Indeed, both are vital and important parts of client interaction, but where do we draw the line between the two?
Sometimes, when you’ve already built a solid relationship with a client, this can be difficult to separate. But bonding and preparing a client for deposition are two different things. They serve different purposes. Bonding is taking a separate interest in our clients, outside of the legal matter. It's as simple as asking clients about their families or sharing a common interest. You could also be sharing with this person about yourself or other family details. It's an important part of any relationship because it helps establish rapport with people. Conversely, preparing a client for deposition is a highly focused training and coaching task that involves things like teaching the client what to expect.
In this episode, we’re going to talk more about how they’re different and what you can do to resist the urge to bond with a client so you can bring it all back to the main task of preparing them for deposition.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How small talk sets you up for success
- Your specific tasks as you’re preparing your client for deposition
- Things you have to do during preparation, which you never do when bonding
- Resisting the urge to move into the relationship-building mode
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Influence by Robert Cialdini: https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Robert-Cialdini/dp/006124189X
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/B0006IU7JK/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=how+to+win+friends+and+influence+people&qid=1669234431&s=books&sprefix=how+to+win%2Cstripbooks%2C105&sr=1-1
Email me: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Every witness gets asked about what documents they used to prepare. As lawyers, we have to be on the front end of things before meeting the client. This week, we are going to continue our two-part series on how to decide what documents to use in deposition prep.
Whether it’s personal injury, an employment issue, or a business dispute, cases involve dealing with a ton of documents. Depending on the type of case, think about tens and thousands of medical records, employment files, or email communications.
As a lawyer, all this can get super overwhelming. Therefore, having a good organization of these documents is definitely a must. The sooner you can start organizing cases, the better. You’re able to better prepare yourself for events such as hearings, depositions, and mediation.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Two sets of documents you need to prepare
- Creating a list of “must” documents
- The importance of preparing visuals
- Documents in the case that are already discoverable
- Asking how a document can help or hurt
- Looking at the 30,000-foot view of helping them
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Comments? Questions? Please email me: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In this episode, let's take a backtrack to reflect on how I got to this whole spot of podcasting. I'm also sharing lessons we can all take away and use in witness preparation and coaching.
Witness coaching may sound negative because you might think you're just coaching them on what to say. But try to look at this in a different way and turn this from a different angle. Witness coaching is really about seeing things that the other person can't see that they’re doing.
Additionally, an overconfident witness can end up getting tripped up really quickly on a cross-exam. And so, we want to be able to prepare people and coach witnesses to do the best they possibly can.
In this episode, you will hear:
- My journey as a trial lawyer in depositions
- My memory of having to testify in a restraining order hearing at 17
- The importance of witness coaching
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In today's episode, we are going to focus on documents in deposition preparation, focusing on clients, not experts. This is an important but highly ignored topic, mainly because as lawyers, we have easy privileges and we don't get any pushback. However, there may be situations where it's a really close call.
No matter where you are in terms of knowledge on this topic or even experience, this is a good refresher because we're looking at situations and cases that are involving volumes of documents. Think about a business dispute, a personal injury case, or lots of medical records. Think about an employment case where there's a huge volume of employment files to go through.
Traditionally, when we're getting ready for deposition prep, we're going to use documents to help refresh the client's memory. Generally speaking, several months or even years can lapse in these lawsuits before the deposition comes around. We want to specifically show pages to the client because we know that they're going to be scrutinized over what's in the documents. And so, we want to review them because document questions can be tricky.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of reviewing documents for deposition preparation
- The role of the lawyer-client privilege
- The communication piece of the lawyer-client privilege
- The work product piece of the lawyer-client privilege
- Determining whether it’s worth the fight
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
For Texas lawyers:
Lawyer-Client Privilege Texas Rule of Evidence 503
https://casetext.com/rule/texas-court-rules/texas-rules-of-evidence/article-v-privileges/rule-503-lawyer-client-privilege
Work Product Privilege Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 192.5
https://casetext.com/rule/texas-court-rules/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure/part-ii-rules-of-practice-in-district-and-county-courts/section-9-evidence-and-discovery/discovery/rule-192-permissible-discovery-forms-and-scope-work-product-protective-orders-definitions
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Today, we talk about deposition pressure, specifically, this real-life example of the “Elon Musk vs. Twitter” lawsuit.
Just to give you a little backstory, Elon Musk was supposed to buy Twitter, and then he decided to back out in July which prompted Twitter to file a lawsuit. On October 6, Elon Musk was scheduled to face a deposition, and then all of a sudden, a letter comes across from Elon Musk's lawyer over to the other side, saying that he will follow through. He will do everything in the agreement, as long as they can stop the lawsuit.
This is a perfect example of how deposition pressure can make people stop and just want to end things quickly because they don’t want to face it.
It’s always a risky proposition to walk into a deposition, and that pressure can cause anybody to crumble – even a billionaire like Elon Musk. Therefore, preparation is key, no matter who you are.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How Elon’s letter disarmed Twitter
- Why Elon decided to stop the deposition
- The pressure that could come in a deposition
- Why rules and their enforcement are helpful for everybody
- Why preparing for deposition is very important
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Here is a link to a short but brilliant analysis of Elon Musk deposition pressures: https://overcast.fm/+XutRyCFsg/01:28
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Jury selection: either trial lawyers hate it – or love it. Although many trial lawyers are afraid of it, jury selection never gets old. You will be getting different stories, different personalities, and different answers each time. But it takes a lot of practice to get better at it. The skills required for it are learned, practiced, and honed for hours and hours.
Today’s guest, Laurie Koller, a practicing lawyer for 31 years now, shares her experiences doing jury selection and the things she loves about it the most.
Laurie talks about the importance of running focus groups in jury selection as well as the benefits of hiring a voice coach. She also talks about the book that she co-wrote with Rena Cook, called Her Voice in Law, which teaches vocal technique, especially for women in the courtroom.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What it was like going through the pandemic in Oklahoma
- Her experience working with David Ball
- The benefits of getting a voice coach
- The importance of having awareness of time
- Tips for running focus groups in jury selection
- What you can do to get better at jury selection
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Laurie Koller
Laurie@kollertriallaw.com
https://kollertriallaw.com/about-koller-trial-law/
Her Voice in Law by Laurie Koller and Rena Cook
https://www.americanbar.org/products/inv/book/393310705/
Rena Cook https://myvocalauthority.com/about/
Lexlee Overton https://mindoverlaw.com/about/
Theater for Trial by David Ball and Joshua Karton
https://www.trialguides.com/collections/books/products/theater-for-trial
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Not a fan of running focus groups before mediation? Hopefully, after listening to this episode, you will see the value of running focus groups before mediation. As trial lawyers, we all want clarity and certainty in any given case and focus groups can help provide those even as you’re preparing for mediation.
Whether you settle, which is great, or you don't, you're still going to have this great information from running a focus group. It's going to help boost the case value as well as your confidence in your case and how you've put it all together.
If you really want to wait until after mediation to run focus groups, that's fine. But just know that if you're preparing for trial, you can't just run with whatever theory you have. You have to test out different theories in order to make a strong case. With a focus group prior to mediation, you have the advantage of testing out theories, giving you a leg up.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The benefits of doing a focus group before mediation
- Examples of scenarios people run focus groups before mediation
- The need for a neutral moderator
- The exchange value of running a focus group
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Question? Comments? Please email: Elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
One of the ways trial lawyers can prepare people for trial is the jury instructions where you basically look at how your client can help the jury answer the questions. Now, it doesn't matter what level of intelligence or understanding a client is. That's just the way a trial goes.
The questions that the jury is going to have to answer should always be the target. This way, you can help the client focus and narrow down on the information that they can help the jury with.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Looking at how the client can help the jury answer the questions
- Identifying which questions should be answered
- Recognizing what they can bring to the jury that’s unique
- Sitting down for trial prep in-person
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Times have changed. And after the pandemic, things have shifted yet again. The question is, are you changing with the times? Are you preparing your clients in the best way to make it easy and simple for everyone involved?
There is currently a huge push into mediation, not trial. In fact, the whole thing about "saving on costs" has gone out the window. But what didn't really shift is the trial lawyer’s mindset on the client's day in court. Along with that shift was the "OG" style of preparing a client or a witness for a deposition. Depositions are where major decisions are being made so you have to work smarter around that.
Today, we are going to delve more into this huge shift in personal injury practice, particularly, from a trial-focused practice to a mediation-focused practice. You will also learn about the history of mediation, and how it crept into what we do as trial lawyers in the personal injury realm.
Whether you’re preparing for mediation or trial, it’s time to step up and make sure you’ve got all your bases covered.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The history of mediation practice
- The shift to mediation is one of the biggest hammers for trial lawyers.
- The OG style of deposition prep
- How to get through without damaging your case
- Giving a list of don’ts
- Depositions are the battleground.
- The importance of breaking up your prep and giving enough time to your clients
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you are curious you can learn more about court statistics at: https://bjs.ojp.gov/topics/courts
If you have a question or a suggestion for an episode, please email me: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode 44: Using Deposition Objections as a Band-Aid
https://larricklawfirm.com/using-deposition-objections-as-a-band-aid/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Not sure about the case value of a case? Finding case values can be really difficult. Sometimes, cases are difficult to assess. Maybe you're just not sure how to evaluate this case.
There are three sources lawyers generally tap into when it comes to evaluating cases. First, they could use their own experiences, which can be great, but at times, it can be limited. Maybe because they haven't practiced very long, or maybe because the facts are unique or the case itself is unique.
Second, lawyers can tap into other people's experiences either by asking other lawyers who have handled a similar case. They may also use a Listserv where they can ask other lawyers in the same profession or organizations. Third, lawyers could look into jury verdicts in their location or jurisdiction.
In this episode, I’m going to share another way of finding case values, which is by running focus groups, and learn how you can use focus groups to get the most reliable data possible.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Understanding there are different categories of ways to run focus groups
- Using focus groups to find case value vs. quantitative studies
- Some cautions to think about when running the focus group
- Striving to learn more but also questioning the reliability of the data
- Different factors that determine the success of a focus group
- The challenge to stay neutral as a presenter to gather reliable data
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have a question or a suggestion for an episode, please email me: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Are you using objections as a band-aid for a lack of preparation?
You may be sitting in a deposition where you’re taking the deposition of the defendant. Then as you’re asking tough questions or questions that get to the heart of the case, the defense lawyer would suddenly pop up and say, "Objection Form." Defense lawyers use this as a tactic to send a message to the witness. The defendant would then respond by saying they don't recall.
This is a cycle that we see pretty often in depositions and it can get frustrating as a lawyer. But what happens when you're using the objection form as a band-aid for preparation?
In today's episode, we are going to look at this very mechanical piece of depositions: objections. Specifically, we're going to be looking at the objection form used during a client deposition. In Texas practice, for example, this is the only permissible objection under our civil procedural rules, and this is the same way in most jurisdictions.
And so, you want to make sure that the client gets the questions that they can answer, or at least neutralize them. But you don't have to jump in and hit the Objection Form button. That’s why it’s very important to have a checklist of things so you come to depositions confident and prepared.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What happens if you don’t have enough depositions
- When you’re raising the red flag, everybody sees it
- The importance of creating a checklist for deposition
- How to create a checklist to prepare for deposition
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
040: Guest Interview Michael Neff: Client Deposition Preparation in Premises Liability Cases
https://larricklawfirm.com/guest-michael-neff-client-deposition-preparation-in-premises-liability-cases/
If you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
People say that a picture says a thousand words, and this holds true when you have illustrations during the trial. That’s the power of visuals – they tell a story, simplify complex concepts, and educate the audience in the easiest and best way possible.
In today’s episode, Annie Gough, independent Certified Medical Illustrator, talks about how medical illustrators work and what it means to you in your practice. With over 20 years of experience in traumatic injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and product defect cases, Annie provides anatomical and surgical illustrations along with visual exhibit consultation on demand letters, expert depositions, mediation, and courtroom presentations.
As trial lawyers, we want to be able to let the jury go into the story of the client. They may not have personally experienced going to the emergency room or having neck surgery. But being able to educate them with visual aids will help bring them into the experience your clients have had. Even just a single illustration can set the stage and turn it into a story or a movie so the jury can truly visualize it.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Annie’s path to medical illustration
- The most difficult things to educate people on
- The best way to show an injury
- The importance of animation in medical malpractice cases
- What it’s like to work with a lawyer
- How lawyers can benefit from reading her book
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
You can buy Annie’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Injury-Illustrated-Medical-Images-Legal/dp/0367615339
Visit her website: www.agillustrations.com
Want to work with Annie? Send her an email at: anniegcmi@gmail.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
If you haven’t ever tried running an adversarial focus group, or any focus group for that matter, then you better start considering doing it to get the most out of deposition or trial.
We’ve pretty much covered a lot of topics on focus groups in our previous episodes. Today, we specifically delve into Adversarial Focus Groups. They are similar to mock trials. The difference is that an adversarial focus group requires continual constant voting. That way, you have the ability to watch the needle move in between different pieces of evidence and in different witnesses.
An adversarial focus group is probably the most in-depth thing that you could possibly do to get feedback. You’re giving the participants the best of everything – from the plaintiff and defense to everything you need to fine-tune your case.
Joining us today is Courtney Wilson who runs a practice on the Gulf Coast in Mississippi, doing plaintiff's personal injury lawsuits exclusively. In the last couple of years, their practice has narrowed down to doing mostly medical malpractice and product liability. Courtney works extremely hard with motions and briefing. She first came across focus groups back in 2016 and seeing the benefits of running them, she has been doing it since.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Adversarial focus groups vs. mock trials
- What you get out of an adversarial focus group
- How to mesh all the information together
- An example of running a focus group and taking the case through trial
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Courtney Wilson
Courtney@tyneslawfirm.com
Tynes Law Firm
Pascagoula, Mississippi
https://www.tyneslawfirm.com/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
The client deposition has a significant amount of weight when it comes to deciding case value. However, one of the most common problems trial lawyers have is dealing with clients who resist preparing for deposition.
These are clients who actively avoid giving time for preparation. Whether it's because of their work schedule, family commitments, or they're just too busy to dedicate more than 30 minutes with you. They just don't seem to have any time other than the day of the deposition.
There are also clients who subconsciously resist. They either show up with the kids for deposition prep, or they tell you they've had an emergency so they have to leave early. These are little subconscious things telling you that they're not going to give you their full attention. But why?
In this episode, we delve into why clients resist deposition preparation and how to tackle this resistance. This is a big deal because failing to prepare for deposition can potentially hurt or damage the case. Therefore, this is the way to the end. This is the necessary step we have to take right now because if we don't take that step, the case value significantly plummets.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why clients resist and why this is damaging to the case
- Asking for time commitment
- Some examples of disasters that happened due to client’s resistance
- Resolving resistance in a call
- Educating clients why they have to put effort in a case
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Do you have questions or a particularly challenging client preparation, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
There are a lot of emotional landmines when it comes to premise liability cases. For instance, summary judgment is an issue in just about every premise liability case. A lot of lawyers have this mental shortcut that if they beat the summary judgment, then the case is going to settle.
But in premise liability cases, damages are not enough. You’re going to need to navigate through that, especially because insurance companies will always try to look for opportunities where they can take advantage of them.
Now, we can’t stress enough that the preparation of the clients for deposition is key in these cases. The client has to be prepared to tell his or her story clearly so there's no ambiguity, no landmines, and no rabbit holes. There are no missing pieces to it. That is why having multiple focus groups and investing time in preparing your clients is crucial to the success of the case.
In this episode, Michael Neff joins us to talk about premises liability cases, which he has been doing for 15 years out of 30 years that he has been in practice. Michael emphasizes the lawyer's responsibility to eliminate the legal risks where they can, and that means anticipating where problems may arise. Remember, the trial is not about the trial lawyer, but about what the jury wants to do for these parties.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of client preparation in premises cases
- Factors that can derail premises liability cases
- Minimizing additional harm to your client
- Why damages are not enough in premises cases
- The importance of working with a consultant
- Being efficient in how you present your case
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
https://www.premisesliability.org/
Email Beth@premisesliability.org for a 1-year free membership to the National Association of Premises Liability Attorneys.
Premises Liability: https://www.trialguides.com/products/premises-liability
Advanced Premises Liability: https://www.trialguides.com/products/advanced-premises-liability
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Losing a point with the jury is the last thing you want. At the end of the day, the jury will scrutinize your client more than anybody else in the room. So you want to bulletproof your client before they even get up on the stand.
Compassion fatigue is not unusual in a world where we are constantly bombarded by horrific news. You should not repeat the things coming to the jury because they don't want you to waste their time.
Therefore, make sure you're keeping things as organized as possible. Organize your topics, have bulletproof questions and be able to shift and pivot after the defense opening or other witness testimony.
In this episode, learn how to organize the direct exam of the client. One of the first steps is to create a topic list. Your questions are more likely going to be based on this. It will navigate you through the process of preparing your client for when you put them on the stand. Also, this is a process that you can start very early and take care of the other more important things you need to do for the trial.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why you need to come up with a topic list
- The point of view of the jury
- Topics of liability and damages
- Other witnesses and order of proof
- Considering the possibility of compassion fatigue
- Time management strategies
- Preparing your exhibits
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Did I miss something for client direct exam? Do you have further questions? Send me an email: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
In the frame set of focus groups, are you holding your case back? Sometimes, we live with our cases for years, before we can find any kind of resolution either through settlement or trial. Now, this creates a tunnel vision where we can put these blinders on. There are blind spots everywhere that we just can't see. And it gets worse when we block out any other theory or possibility. When we do this, we take on a whole new risk because we are holding the case back.
A focus group is a laboratory. It's to gather research. Sometimes, you're going to hear good things, but you're also digging in to hear the bad things about your case. Focus groups are going to give you fresh eyes in terms of approaching your case and getting you to a whole new emotional movement in your case.
In this episode, I'm going to talk about some reasons lawyers would hold back a case and why you should start considering focus groups to help get you to the next level in solving problems. Ultimately, you have two options here – either stay in the blind spot or be open to learning and eliminate a huge risk of getting a zero on the case.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How people make decisions based on emotions
- What shapes the filter system of jurors
- Finding the problems you can see and you can’t see
- Creating multiple ways to solve the problem
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Have questions? Send me an email: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
As trial lawyers, we live in our trial lawyer space for several hours each day. It even follows us sometimes at night and wakes us up because our brains have been rewired in law school and even further into practice. Along the way, we've picked up legalese and legal jargon that we use when we get together with other lawyers or we talk to the court. That's all fine when we’re in the lawyer world.
But once we move into dealing with our clients, especially in litigation cases where we prepare them for deposition, mediation, or trial, we need to make sure we’re not using legalese. Otherwise, it leaves our clients confused and it eventually leads to mistakes in their depositions, or even at mediations when they're asked to talk – when all that could have been prevented. Therefore, communication is key with our clients.
In this episode, I’m going to share some common phrases that don’t really work well with our clients, as well as some alternative ways to better explain things to them. That way, they understand what we’re saying and they can move forward and follow advice. It does help to put in enough time and effort teaching people about depositions and organizing their stories in the most effective way possible.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Common phrases lawyers use that confuse clients
- Visualizing things for people
- Alternative statements you can use with your clients
- The fine line between explaining vs. oversharing
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have a question or comment please let me know: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
Once you’ve worked through mindset and organized things, the last piece of the puzzle in preparing for client deposition and trial preparation is role-playing.
As trial lawyers, we can do a better job at getting better results for the client. Most people haven’t experienced being in a deposition or trial before. And so, role-playing will give them a realistic experience before they step into the room or turn on that zoom to be asked questions under the spotlight. It helps remove first-time nerves, testing what is going to happen and what the reaction is going to be.
Role-playing is definitely an important aspect that may dictate the trajectory of your case. In this episode, I’m laying out the keys to effective role-playing so that both you and the client can get the most out of it. Learn how to compact roleplay into a digestible, easy exercise for everyone involved as well as some tips or tricks to supercharge it.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Another person to play as the opposing counsel
- Using roleplay to tackle the difficult and challenging questions
- Sticking with the exercise
- Roleplaying with different lawyers on different days
- Doing multiple rounds and checking in with the client in-between the rounds
- Ways to supercharge the roleplay
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Need help crafting role play questions? Have a question about client testimony prep? Feel free to email me: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.
We’re joined by Ryan Squires, a partner at Scott, Douglass & McConnico. He has been doing a ton of trials, but in this episode, he talks about one specific trial he did in Austin.
It was a record-setting verdict in that the jury awarded them worth $40 million in damages and money, something they haven't seen in the last 20 years in terms of a private plaintiff in Austin. It also answered certain questions in a manner that allowed the judge to also give them a constructive trust that included real estate and Bitcoin.
To give you a brief overview, this was a father versus son case concerning cryptocurrency and some real estate controlled by the son, but those have been traced back to the seed money provided by the father.
Today, Ryan shares what went behind the scenes in preparing for this trial from how they’ve set up the focus groups to gathering evidence and witness preparation.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How they’ve set up focus groups for trial preparation
- Using deposition testimony in court as evidence
- The cross-examination preparation
- COVID protocols observed in the courtroom
- The importance of having time limitations for the witnesses
- The benefits of focus groups in this case
- The challenges in gathering evidence
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To learn more about Ryan Squires and his practice please visit: https://www.scottdoug.com/attorneys/ryan-squires/
If you’d like to learn more about the jury verdict we discussed in this episode, you can go here: https://www.scottdoug.com/sdm-obtains-record-setting-verdict-in-bitcoin-case/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
One of the common challenges lawyers have when it comes to running focus groups is where to find the participants. And if they do find them, how do they get them to respond to what they’re putting out there.
Therefore, part of the success of focus groups lies in the recruiting process. You want to have an ample amount of people to choose from. You want participants that mirror the jurors, and not necessarily perfectly mirror your community.
Right off the cuff, I use Facebook and Craigslist to advertise for focus group participants. But where exactly do you post the ad? And what would be the most efficient way to do that? In this episode, we’re going to talk about how you can set up a system for recruiting focus group participants so you can start getting more people to apply.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How much to pay people for focus groups and how to pay them
- Choosing the best day and time for running focus groups
- How to make the process easy for people to apply
- Posting Craigslist ads and setting up a Facebook business page
- Creating a masterlist for the participants
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
www.advantagefocusgroups.com
Have a question about recruiting and advertising for focus groups? Email me! elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
You can revisit Episode 20 for more information on setting up your own focus groups:
https://larricklawfirm.com/do-it-yourself-virtual-focus-groups-pt-2/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, I am sharing my point of view on a hotly debated topic in client preparation – when should a client share their damages, stories, examples, and feelings? Should they be in a deposition? Or should those be held until trial?
The old-school way of thinking would be to save it for trial. Many lawyers encourage clients to say as little as possible or to not offer any other information besides a yes or a no. For them, silence is a tactic, so they don't explain anything.
And I truly believe the opposite of that. I think the deposition is the place to share and that we should prepare our clients to share in their depositions. The deposition is the biggest place for the client to play their role in the case and decisions are made based on things in depositions. That's the way that it works so we should not ignore the opportunity it gives you.
In this episode, you will hear:
- It takes so much longer to get to trial (most cases never even get to trial).
- What happens when the deposition of the client goes into the file evaluation
- What happens in a deposition is different from what happens in a trial
- The black and white testimony in the deposition can’t be ignored.
- Getting a full uninterrupted opportunity during deposition
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have a question or want to share your point of view, please email me: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
The jury is like a giant fishbowl. Things appear larger and out of place. Clients are highly scrutinized by these 12 strangers in a box, and quite frankly, how they make their decisions is sometimes pretty foreign to us, as trial lawyers.
Sometimes, they make it very clear by telling us after they reach their verdict when, for instance, we see them in the hallway; and sometimes, they don't. Either way, we always strive to have a client that connects with the jurors in a human way – and that can sometimes be difficult if we have an unlikable client.
At a glance, it seems like a harsh label. But we're actually discussing this from the point of view of jurors. This is very important if you're going to go to trial because the perceptions of jurors can seriously impact a case. Therefore, we never intend to offend people by saying that they're unlikable. It's just how lawyers describe it.
In this episode, Peter Levine joins today’s conversation as we discuss how to deal with an unlikeable client and how you can help them connect with the jurors. Peter is a longtime lawyer who has done all different kinds of law as well. He has a lot of experiences to talk about, specifically about the different ways to help deal with the unlikable client.
At the end of the day, uncooperative clients will test your maturity. It’s important to maintain that level of civility and respect – and this will only make you a better lawyer.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What is an unlikeable client?
- The characteristics of an unlikeable client
- The difference between the best client, an unlikeable client, and a dangerous client
- Showing maturity and creating healthy boundaries as a lawyer
- Looking for ways to love the client
- The importance of keeping the client in the loop on everything
- Tips for adjusting expectations
- Considering the personality match
- Why you need to keep in contact with your client – and how
- Maintaining a level of respect
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Peter Levine
5454 Wilshire Blvd #1250
Los Angeles, CA 90036
https://www.peterlawfirm.com/
peter@peterlawfirm.com
Learn more about toxic clients from Ernie Svenson’s LawFirm AutoPilot Episodes 200 and 201.
If you have a question or a topic you’d like an episode on, please email me: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Focus groups are a wonderful way to connect people with jurors and to help them get comfortable with talking to strangers. Sometimes, as trial lawyers, we fumble around with moderating, whether a person just won't keep talking or you’re having a hard time hitting all questions within managed time.
Focus group moderating is probably one of the most challenging places for most people because we know what we want to present. We can put all that together. But then sometimes, asking questions and facilitating the discussion can be a little bit challenging.
Today’s episode is a quick Focus Group Moderating 101. This is actually a replay of our Facebook Live and LinkedIn video. I’m discussing some things we should be thinking about when moderating focus groups and how we plan for success when it comes to moderating. Otherwise, it can be so easy to get sucked in and pulled down the rabbit trail and get lost – and sometimes, we can have a hard time coming back.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What “moderating” means
- Getting feedback the quickest way possible
- Obstacles to being a good moderator
- How to start the group off on the best foot possible
- Using helpful backstops
- Planning for follow-up discussion
- Commenting on responses
- The importance of writing out questions
- Asking who agrees and who disagrees
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
I share focus group “how-tos” and tips on my Facebook and LinkedIn channels live each month. If you’d like to watch past videos or catch new live sessions, please follow Larrick Law Firm on Facebook or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Do you have a question about our topic or have a topic for an episode? Please email me: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to selecting a jury. Through the voir dire process, lawyers are able to choose a fair and impartial jury.
In this episode, Deborah Hensley Loewe, an amazing mentor and friend, talks about why jury selection is one of her favorite parts of the trial. She also shares some tips in jury selection as well as how using focus groups is also a great way to prepare for a voir dire.
The voir dire process can be composed of a 30-60 person panel, although Deborah has experienced having 100 people on the panel.
Every case is different. You may have to move your voir dire around and put certain questions in, that may or may not be in one of your other trials, because you have to take little issues that you want to get there before the defense gets there. But at the end of the day, you have to tailor it to your case and your person.
Another tip she mentions when it comes to preparing for a voir dire is to make it your own. It has to be something you can pull off and where your authenticity should come through, otherwise, they're not going to buy your case.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Speaking out your voir dire vs. just reading it
- It’s okay to use your notes!
- Questions on pre-existing conditions
- Tips in styling your own voir dire
- Changing the way you talk to sound authentic
- The benefits of using focus groups to practice your voir dire
- In-person vs. virtual focus groups
- Types of questions for jury selection
- The power of practice
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Deborah Hensley Loewe
Attorney at Law
Hensley Law Firm
706 W. Ben White Blvd.
Bldg. B, Ste. 235
Austin, Texas 78704
(512) 476-9988
If you’d like to learn more about Deborah and her practice https://hensleylawfirm.com/deborah-hensley-loewe/
If you’d like to connect with Deborah, she can be reached at: deborahhensley@henselylawfirm.com
Do you have a question? Suggestion for an episode? Please email me: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
If you've conducted any kind of focus group or have been in a courtroom, you've probably noticed how some people are really easily swayed. And it can be frustrating to be in a focus group where it's time to have a discussion. They've seen all this information, you want to get their feedback. Then everyone just tries to parrot what the person before them was talking about when you really want to get all of their individual thoughts.
In this episode, I’m sharing the benefits of using the chat feature inside the virtual focus group as well as three super helpful ways to use this powerful tool. Whether you use Zoom or Teams or the Google Meet platform to conduct virtual focus groups, each of those has a chat feature you can use to maximize the discussion. If you haven't been using it or you have just been using it a little bit, I am encouraging you to make that a part of your focus group planning and your presentation.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Gathering individual responses
- Being able to follow up and ask for explanations
- Using Zoom polls
- How the chat feature saves you time
- Processing the data after the meeting
- Sample questions you can put in the chat
- When to use the chat feature
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Episode 019: DIY Virtual Focus Groups Pt 1
https://larricklawfirm.com/019-diy-virtual-focus-groups-pt-1/
Episode 020: DIY Virtual Focus Groups Pt 2
https://larricklawfirm.com/020-diy-virtual-focus-groups-pt-2/
Thank you for tuning in! If you have a question or episode request please let me know: Elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Have you ever experienced getting disconnected from your client, where after several attempts to email and call them, poof! – they’re just gone? They can't be reached or maybe they’re there, but they just completely ghosted you out.
Failure to communicate is the number one bar complaint against lawyers. Hence, we need to do a better job of meeting people where they are, especially since things aren’t exactly the way they were before the pandemic.
Today, we talk about how you can do a better job at staying connected with your clients. This is much a function of communication. Email is great, but it misses a personal touch aside from the fact that it can get quickly misinterpreted. Plus, you could be getting a ton of emails that it's so easy for emails to get lost or disregarded. Phone calls are great as well. However, scheduling those things can take so much energy and time. Sure, you can offload that to your staff but that's not a good use of their time either.
And so, I'm sharing with you an alternative to communication, which is something you may already be using today but maybe you haven't thought about using this for clients as well. At the end of the day, it’s all about building that connection when it’s time for them to share their stories.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Great uses of a voice message
- The power of videos
- Decreasing your client’s fear through a personal connection with your voice
- How to do a better job at sending voice messages
- Sending forms and documents
- Text message gets a higher open rate than email does
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Here is a quick article that walks you through how to send voice messages using iOS or Android phones.
Here are some apps you can use on your cell phone or table to send a voice message via text: Speak-n-Send
I also mentioned using Loom to record short videos (less than 5 minutes) and create an instant link to share.
If you have a question or a request for an episode, please let me know: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
In our previous episodes, we've been sharing some how-to's when it comes to doing focus groups. But it's also important to take a pause and think about why we are doing focus groups, to begin with.
There are various reasons we might be holding ourselves back from doing focus groups. Maybe, there’s some confusion around why we have to do it. At times, too, we could already be too deep in case preparation that we get lost and no longer see what’s coming behind us. It’s so easy to lose those points of view, and that includes the jury’s point of view. When that happens, we start discounting the weaknesses of the case and the points the opposing counsel is trying to make.
Hopefully, this episode will help give you a new perspective around focus groups by recognizing not just the exterior barriers to doing focus groups which we have discussed previously (cost, lack of skills, lack of time, etc.), but also some internal barriers that we need to think about.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Figuring out the facts that fuel the weaknesses of the case
- Testing the emotional buttons that people are deciding the case on
- Finding the big picture
- The importance of writing out first impressions
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
If you have a question or would like to hear a topic on an episode, please email elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Have you ever instructed your client to say "I don't know" when it came to facts or anything that may have been detrimental to your case? Or maybe you've been on the other side of that where you were taking a deposition of someone and they just kept on saying they don’t know, just like a broken record.
In this episode, let’s focus on connecting with your client as well as some of those little shortcuts that we take along the way with our clients that could end in a bad result, otherwise known as woodshedding.
Ultimately, woodshedding is disrespectful to your client's experience and feelings. It can lead to the client losing overall trust in you, as their lawyer, and they may just start lying to you too. So it's not a very good road to go down.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Where the term “woodshedding” comes from
- Examples of woodshedding
- Why woodshedding is bad
- How to avoid falling into this trap
- Spending time to refresh your client’s memory
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-j-larrick-942447101/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LarrickLawFirm/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Have you ever experienced having a client who emotionally fell apart in a deposition or trial? You've already had a preparation plan, walked them through it, and organized everything, then all of a sudden, the plan goes out of the window. And when they're testifying to things that you've never heard before, it's certainly not a good feeling.
At times, there are clients that are challenging to prepare and there are different reasons for this. In today's episode, how to spot some red flags before clients get into the deposition or go into trial to give testimony and how to deal with those.
As a lawyer, you need to figure out ways to do this better. Many times, we can spot some of these red flags, even before we're going to sit down and do deposition prep or trial prep. These are things such as when clients show a lack of interest in the case or they’re providing inconsistent stories. Maybe their effort has waned over time, or they just don't follow directions, or they’re simply refusing to answer any questions. And even sometimes, too, there are people who just refuse to even show up for preparation.
Therefore, you need to dig a little deeper to understand and reveal some of the reasons these people are having these kinds of behavior. As lawyers, we want to make sure we have clients that are going to not only put effort into the case but also effort into themselves.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Moving from Plan A to Plan B
- Step 1: Educating
- Step 2: Testing
- Step 3: Deciding
- The importance of spotting red flags early on
- Getting somebody else to roleplay with your client
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Have a question? What topic do you want us to cover in an episode? Email me: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, I'm going to play a recorded live video of my recent presentation on how to create a focus group presentation, and the best presentation possible to gather more engagement from our participants as well as more feedback.
There are some things that always go into planning our presentations such as what evidence, objective documents, and videos you have to use. You want to look into your goals and what you're looking to get feedback on, whether it's pertaining to the whole case or you simply want to understand blind spots that could be missing.
You may also be looking at witness credibility and understand more about the credibility of the person in their testimony. There are lots of different ways to use focus groups. And I’m going to walk you through a few simple presentations that I have previously used when gathering information.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The goal and timeline of the presentation
- Balancing information with questions
- The power of using visual aids (ex. PowerPoint, images, diagram)
- Focusing on the facts of the events
- Some dos and don’ts when using visual aids
- The simplicity of information
- Using chat to get them engaged
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
If you have questions or have a request for an episode, please email me: at elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, John Griffith who has a personal injury practice joins us from Tennessee. John talks to us about the five trials he has had since the pandemic started. Find out why he thinks trial lawyers have now become better than they were pre-pandemic and some of the notable differences he had seen in trials.
John specifically touches on some of the work he did during the shutdown in March of 2020, and how he used his time to improve not only his practice but also the other lawyers who were practicing with him as well. Not to mention, he was juggling being president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association from 2020 to 2021.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Procedural changes being judge-preference driven
- How the safety protocols look like post-pandemic
- The power of visuals in your trials
- The 13 books John requires his lawyers to read
- The challenge to keep the jury engaged
- The impact of focus groups on John’s practice
- How COVID has redirected people’s focus on the value of relationships
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Here are the 13 books John Griffith requires his lawyers to read:
- 30 B 6 – Mark Kosieradski
https://www.trialguides.com/products/30b6-second-edition
- Voir Dire and Opening – by Nicholas Rowley
https://www.trialguides.com/products/voir-dire-and-opening-statement
- Damages – David Ball
https://www.amazon.com/David-Ball-Damages-Plaintiffs-Attorneys/dp/1556819404
- Reptile - Keenan/Ball
https://www.amazon.com/Reptile-2009-Manual-Plaintiffs-Revolution/dp/0977442551
- Rules of the Road – Rick Friedman
https://www.trialguides.com/products/rules-of-the-road-trade
- Polarizing the Case – Rick Friedman
https://www.amazon.com/Polarizing-Case-Exposing-Defeating-Malingering/dp/097432485X
- The Fearless Cross Examiner – Patrick Malone
https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Cross-Examiner-Win-Witness-Case/dp/B082LP8CQJ
- Don’t Eat The Bruises – Keith Mitnik
https://www.trialguides.com/products/dont-eat-the-bruises-audiobook
- Premises Liability – Michael Neff
https://www.amazon.com/Premises-Liability-Michael-Neff/dp/1941007643
- Moe Levine on Advocacy
https://www.trialguides.com/products/moe-levine-on-advocacy
- Luvera on Advocacy
https://www.trialguides.com/products/luvera-on-advocacy
- The Domino Theory – Ed Capozzi
https://www.trialguides.com/products/the-domino-theory-second-edition
- The Way of the Trial Lawyer – Rick Friedman
https://www.trialguides.com/products/the-way-of-the-trial-lawyer-ebook
You can learn more about John and his background:https://www.griffithinjurylaw.com/bio/john-griffith.cfm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
There is no doubt how important focus groups are in helping trial lawyers present to a live group of people. Not only does running practice groups hone your presenting skills, but it also helps you with your materials and it helps you get valuable feedback from those who are completely uninvolved with your case.
However, a lot of trial lawyers are still hesitant about doing it or they just don’t see the value in it mainly because they have certain assumptions and beliefs that aren’t necessarily true.
In this episode, I'm sharing three main myths about focus groups that are circulating around which need to be debunked and clarified. And if you can just get through some of these, it will help you correct those misconceptions as a trial lawyer, and hopefully, you can start running focus groups and get the benefits out of them.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Myth #1: Focus groups = mock jury
- Myth #2: Relying on focus groups to determine the monetary value of your case
- Myth #3: It has to be done in person.
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
To learn more about different styles of focus groups, check out this quick blog.
If you are starting your own Virtual Focus Groups, download this quick checklist to help you get started: https://bit.ly/30uLFVH
Have a question or a comment? Drop me an email: Elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Trials can be really messy. Changes happen often and frequently every day and it can be different things, whether it be the judge, the jury, or the opposing counsel. Preparation is long. It takes many hours working on witnesses, experts, order of proof, not to mention openings, closings, and jury selection. And that doesn't even go to tackling the paperwork that you have to do as well – the motions, the jury instructions, the witness lists, the exhibit lists.
All these things are a huge part of preparing for trial. And when we do all this, at times, we forget about this one really big piece of trial – an overall game plan for the day-to-day logistics. Talk about parking, lunch, meeting room, printer, even down to getting a bottle of water. This is an important piece because, without these really small things, a huge amount of stress can happen.
In today's episode, let's take a look at some trial preparation from a logistics perspective and things you can do to avoid stress. Although this doesn't take a lot of thought, coming up with a game plan to cover the basics is always helpful.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Things to expect before trial
- The importance of logistics
- Things to think about from a logistics perspective
- Preparing for different scenarios
- Where to take lunch, checking the courtroom, construction, security, etc.
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources
Larrick Law Firm
Have a question or a comment? Drop me an email: Elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Today is the other half of our two-part series on virtual focus groups, where we specifically tackle the logistics or the backend of virtual focus groups.
First off, there’s a lot of different software and technology that goes into doing virtual focus groups. Although there are ways to use these resources for free, the cost of buying them is relatively low compared to hiring a professional videographer or buying your own video camera and audio system.
Then we break down the setup for a virtual focus group into four buckets: recruiting, communication, the focus group itself, and the wrap-up. We also discuss four parts of the system that you need to nail down to make sure you’re getting the most out of your virtual focus groups.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Ways to recruit people who will join your focus group
- Setting up Google Forms to make it easier for people to respond
- Why you need to get a confidentiality agreement signed and how to do it
- Choosing the right platform for running the focus group
- Ways to pay people online and make sure you don’t
- Four parts of your system to get all of them in place
- How to make sure those confidentiality emails are sent
- How to use Zoom settings that work best for you
- Why it’s best to have a second person who will help you run the focus group
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
In this episode, I reference a free virtual focus group checklist resource, you can get that here.
If you have any questions about virtual focus groups, don’t hesitate to email me: elizabeth@larricklafirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
What is a do-it-yourself virtual focus group? What does it look like and how do you make one? This is the first part of our DIY Virtual Focus Group two-part series, where we break down why we're doing virtual focus groups, what virtual focus groups are, and how we do them.
Be sure to also tune into Part 2 of this series as we dive into how to set up virtual focus groups in terms of logistics or the back-end stuff. Think about setting up Zoom, Paypal, and confidentiality agreements.
The goal at the end of this two-part series is to give you a complete picture of how to do your own virtual focus group so you can finally get started. They're so easy to set up and the benefits are just as great so this is definitely something you need to try doing to better prepare for your cases.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What are virtual focus groups?
- Why now is the time to start running them and preparing your cases
- The benefits of focus groups: clarity, certainty, and confidence
- Reasons for doing focus groups
- Some simple approaches for starting virtual focus groups
- Quick turnaround time
- Why do you need to run focus groups early on?
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
If you’d like to learn more about different styles of focus groups, check out this quick blog.
For any questions or comments, please email me: elizabeth@larricklafirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, I'm sharing a very short and simple message that I delivered just a few weeks back on social media where I discussed the benefits of virtual focus groups.
Especially in the face of this pandemic where our safety is compromised, we have the opportunity to run virtual focus groups, which are so easy to put together. But do they work? Absolutely!
In this age of technology, there’s practically nothing we cannot do on the Internet. And being able to leverage that to run focus groups puts you at an advantage – logistically, safety-wise, and even time-wise.
If you haven’t done it yet, consider running focus groups virtually so you can make better use of your time, energy, and money – while still getting all the information and feedback you need to prepare for your case.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why use Zoom for virtual focus groups
- Logistics: No location is needed
- Safety: It keeps us COVID-free since you’re just in your office
- An opportunity to put together a variety of focus groups
- The availability of time
- Other great features when using Zoom for focus groups
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Neil Anthony, a trial lawyer from Florida, joins us for an excellent interview on his recent verdict. He shares about how he built a meaningful connection with his client even through telephone and Zoom meetings and how he was able to connect with the jury using stories that resonated with them. Neil also shares his experience in terms of the changes in the trial due to the COVID situation.
Neil practices personal injury law in Southeast Florida, mostly in Palm Beach County. Neil handles a ton of auto cases, premises cases, slip and fall cases, trip and fall cases, as well as a lot of sexual abuse cases, which he considers like a premises liability case. He has also done a few negligent security cases, dram shop verdicts, and a wide variety of personal injury cases.
Today, Neil walks us through the basic facts of his client’s case and how he prepared her for deposition and trial, including a small piece in the deposition that actually helped him win the case.
As a trial lawyer, it's 100% your job to teach the client the medical records because the defense lawyer is going to read those records in detail. They're going to be ready to try to get and capitalize on a client forgetting something. Even if they know that the client simply forgot, they will still unfairly cast them as someone who doesn't tell the truth. And you can't do this work effectively without knowing and teaching the client prior medicals.
Get some powerful takeaways from this conversation including how to answer questions without holding back, crafting the right questions, and how to use stories that resonate with the jury.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The basic facts of Lisa’s case
- When Neil figured out it was a case that went to trial
- Neil’s approach to deposition prep
- The small piece in the deposition prep that helped him win the case
- How to answer questions without holding back
- Creating a meaningful connection with a client even through telephone or Zoom
- How he used stories that resonated with the jury
- How Neil did his voir dire during jury selection
- Asking for an amount that’s credible
- Changes for this trial based on COVID
- How to craft the right questions
- The jury verdict of Lisa’s case
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
You can learn more about Neil Anthony here: https://www.injurylawyers.com/partner-neil-anthony/
If you have a question or comment, please let me know: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
____________________________________________________________________________
WEBSITE COPY
Episode 017: Choosing Client Stories That Resonate with The Jury With Guest Neil Anthony
Neil Anthony, a trial lawyer from Florida, joins us for an excellent interview on his recent verdict. He shares about how he built a meaningful connection with his client even through telephone and Zoom meetings and how he was able to connect with the jury using stories that resonated with them. Neil also shares his experience in terms of the changes in the trial due to the COVID situation.
Neil practices personal injury law in Southeast Florida, mostly in Palm Beach County. Neil handles a ton of auto cases, premises cases, slip and fall cases, trip and fall cases, as well as a lot of sexual abuse cases, which he considers like a premises liability case. He has also done a few negligent security cases, dram shop verdicts, and a wide variety of personal injury cases.
Today, Neil walks us through the basic facts of his client’s case and how he prepared her for deposition and trial, including a small piece in the deposition that actually helped him win the case.
As a trial lawyer, it's 100% your job to teach the client the medical records because the defense lawyer is going to read those records in detail. They're going to be ready to try to get and capitalize on a client forgetting something. Even if they know that the client simply forgot, they will still unfairly cast them as someone who doesn't tell the truth. And you can't do this work effectively without knowing and teaching the client prior medicals.
Get some powerful takeaways from this conversation including how to answer questions without holding back, crafting the right questions, and how to use stories that resonate with the jury.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The basic facts of Lisa’s case
- When Neil figured out it was a case that went to trial
- Neil’s approach to deposition prep
- The small piece in the deposition prep that helped him win the case
- How to answer questions without holding back
- Creating a meaningful connection with a client even through telephone or Zoom
- How he used stories that resonated with the jury
- How Neil did his voir dire during jury selection
- Asking for an amount that’s credible
- Changes for this trial based on COVID
- How to craft the right questions
- The jury verdict of Lisa’s case
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
You can learn more about Neil Anthony here: https://www.injurylawyers.com/partner-neil-anthony/
If you have a question or comment, please let me know: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
This is the final part of our three-part series on client testimony preparation where we discuss Phase 3 of the client testimony preparation, also known as the testing phase. Just a quick recap, Phase 1 is getting into the right mindset and expectations. Phase 2 is the organizing phase where you help clients organize their truth, not mold them or change anything.
Phase 3 or the testing phase will give clients a good glimpse at what it's going to be like inside the deposition. It's not just testing the client, but also your ability to prep them.
Now, it’s important that you follow these phases in order, and not just start your client testimony preparation immediately with Phase 3. Sure you could do that, but that's not really going to help you understand much if you haven't already done some work in the first two phases. Not to mention, the damage this might cause because you’re only setting them up to fail – and they would see that.
Therefore, even though it sounds like testing is all the phase you need to do, you're going to be doing your clients a disservice if you miss the first two phases since it can create problems of trust in the future – and by building trust, you’re able to take away their fears.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of Phase 3
- Why not start immediately with Phase 3
- The two parts of roleplay
- How to craft questions for better results
- How to do the hard roleplay in segments
- The nuts and bolts you need to talk about after phase 3
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you have a question or comment, please let me know: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Larrick Law Firm
Episode 014: Phase 1 of Client Testimony Preparation
https://www.larricklawfirm.com/014
Episode 015: Phase 2 of Client Testimony Preparation
https://www.larricklawfirm.com/015
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
During the second phase of client testimony preparation, sometimes there’s a big miscommunication between the clients and the lawyers. Lawyers ask differently in deposition than they would in any other kind of conversation. Therefore, it warrants some education so clients can go through it smoothly.
In Phase 1, we talked about getting into the right mindset, which applies to clients and trial lawyers. Today, we look into Phase 2, which also refers to the organizing phase. This phase does not mean crafting, shaping, molding, or woodshedding any testimony. Resist the urge to craft and change your client's words to make them sound better or to make their answer the question more clearly. Instead, make sure you organize what the client already has in their brain and what they already know so clients can see the bigger picture concerning the questions they get.
There is power in the truth, and it is all you are doing in this phase – to help clients see that and organize it for them.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Challenges trial lawyers have in this phase
- The 3 main purposes of a deposition
- The power of telling stories
- Why you shouldn’t be changing the client’s words
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
If you have a question or comment, please let me know: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode 014: Phase 1 of Client Testimony Preparation
https://www.larricklawfirm.com/014
Episode 011: Focus Groups: What Do You Get?
https://larricklawfirm.com/011-focus-groups-what-do-you-get/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
Getting a client into the right headspace is key before you can jump into questions they will encounter in the deposition or trial. In this episode, let's learn about why it's essential to get your clients in the right headspace and the ways you can do that.
This episode is part of a series where I'll be walking you through the preparation of a client for testimony, either for a deposition or trial, which are two very different places where clients give testimony.
The first phase of client testimony preparation is resetting the client’s mindset so they can overcome the fear, which could cripple them during deposition or trial.
At trial, a lot of people either freeze or just start talking and never stop. They think they need to just dump everything in their brain on the table. A lot of times, they'll concede the defense question. And some people even lie in the deposition earlier on because they just want to stop the pain and get out of the deposition as quickly as possible.
Therefore, you need to tackle that big fear monster first before you can even look at the questions and organize their truth.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Reasons people are afraid of deposition or trial
- Fear as a huge defense tactic
- Ways to address the client’s fears
- Phase 1: Resetting the client’s mindset
- Phase 2: Organizing their truth
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Practical Intelligence: The Art and Science of Common Sense by Dr. Karl Albrecht
www.karlalbrecht.com
If you have a question or comment, please let me know: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode 10: How You Can Better Prepare Yourself for Client Depositions https://www.larricklawfirm.com/010
Episode 12: Silence is Golden – Improve Your Active Listening Skills
https://www.larricklawfirm.com/012
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
In today's episode, we're joined by Danny Ellis who was named Tennessee Trial Lawyer of the Year for 2021. We discuss the different challenges that trial lawyers face when preparing clients in a wrongful death case. Danny also walks us through some of the things he did to help prepare a recent combative client in her specific case as well as some tips on how we can be better in particular cases like this.
Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Danny practices with Truck Wreck Justice, with offices in Chattanooga, Seattle, and LA. They specialize in all commercial motor vehicles that are 10,001 pounds or more.
Not every client is going to fit into a perfect formula for preparing them. And sometimes, you just have to be flexible. One of the best ways we can help people in these lawsuits is by giving them the ability to do the best they can do and helping them get the closure they need, which is better than any pile of money.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The difficulties jurors face in wrongful death cases
- The difficulties clients face in wrongful death cases
- How Danny helped a difficult client in a wrongful death case
- Tips in dealing with difficult clients and helping in witness prep
- The power of silence
- The importance of getting into the mindset of the opponent
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Danny Ellis
Truck Wreck Justice PLLC
danny@truckwreckjustice.com
1419 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
(v) 423-265-2020
Larrick Law Firm
Do you have a question or comment? A topic you want to be addressed? Please email elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
Today, we talk about polishing those listening skills, and how we can use them better with our clients. If we polish this skill and become better active listeners, we will have better trials because we'll be able to listen better to what the jury is telling us during jury selection. We will have better cross-exams because we're going to listen actively to what they're saying and how they're saying it. Your direct exam is going to go so much smoother. People get up there and get nervous and half the battle of the direct exam is being able to listen and craft that next question if you’ve got to go back in for the second time. So listen in and learn some of the best ways and some tips on how to get better at active listening and how to prepare your client for depositions.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What is active listening
- Why repeat what they’re saying, not summarize
- Why you should be actively listening
- Building trust through listening
- Getting people ready for deposition
- Examples of bad listening
- Active listening on Zoom
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
What do you get from focus groups? Maybe you haven't had a chance to use focus groups yet yourself. Or maybe you have run a mock trial on a case, but maybe haven't looked at other ways to use focus groups. In this episode, we dive into some other ways you can use focus groups and why. I'm also sharing a couple of tips on ways to "double-dip" and how you can take and use all the data for an extra squeeze of information.
One of the most common things you get from using focus groups is to learn the result of the case – who wins and who loses? But it’s not just results-oriented because you can learn so much more. There’s witness credibility, evaluating the evidence, looking at case theory, looking at the knowledge base, testing out the defense theory, and just honing your skills as a trial lawyer. You can get a lot more than just trying to have this one target of determining the case value.
Now, if you don't have a lot of experience doing focus groups, moderating, looking at it, analyzing the data, I just want to caution you that there are so many other great ways to use it. Whether you spend six hours, three hours, an hour, or even just 30 minutes, the amount of time you want to spend depends on the depth with which you are willing to go into the material and the depth of the feedback.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Mock trial vs. qualitative study
- Evaluating the evidence
- Testing your case theory and the credibility of people
- Using focus groups to file or not file
- Testing the knowledge base
- The double-dipping phase: how you can make the most of the data you get
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
Have you ever wondered whether there's something you could do to prepare before you meet with your client for deposition prep? You bet there is! Tune in as we talk about how to look at the file for a deeper analysis and answer three really important questions.
We're going to talk about helping you scope a plan to prepare you before that client testimony preparation meeting. In my experience and most people's experiences, trial happens, but it's pretty few and far between. Most of our legwork and our day-to-day stuff is dealing with depositions.
Hopefully, this will help you create a plan for having a deeper analysis of your client's case, and the testimony they need to provide in your case. That way, you can have smoother preparation meetings and your clients will be impressed and appreciative that you took the time to go back through and get the events down. Ultimately, this creates a lot of trust between you and the client whenever you can repeat events back to them or refresh their own memory. It also helps uncover damages when you're working through that part of the preparation meeting.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Reasons to prepare for client deposition
- When to start your review
- What to review and 3 questions to keep in mind
-
- What is the target?
- What areas can be improved and what are things that are maybe a weakness in the case?
- What's missing?
- How to gather up depositions
- Doing a double background check
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
Are you planning on running some focus groups in 2022? Are you wondering how to navigate the planning process? Or maybe you've been doing focus groups, and you’re thinking about how to do a bigger blueprint for a series of cases or get ready for trial? If you already have a case in mind, and you think it's a great case for a focus group to figure out this problem or this issue, one of the biggest questions is when to do a focus group. In this episode, we are going to dive right in to answer these questions.
Whether you’re doing just one case or you’re planning on building a series of focus groups, it’s helpful to set out a blueprint for focus groups.
Having a blueprint helps you get things systematized so your process gets easier over time. You also get to compare data from different groups. The more data you have, the more information you have to analyze the trial. A trial can be tricky since you don't always get to go to trial as much as you want. And so, doing focus groups will help you prepare, and ultimately, build better cases. You’re not only preparing your clients better, but you’re also preparing yourself better for depositions and crafting better questions.
In this episode, you will hear:
- When to do a focus group
- The benefits of focus groups
- How to create a focus group blueprint
- The power of doing multiple focus groups for one case
- Creating a blueprint for types of cases
- Building a series of three focus groups
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
You can learn more about when to have a focus group in this blog post: https://larricklawfirm.com/focus-group-faq-at-what-point-in-my-case-do-i-run-a-focus-group-larrick-law-firm/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
In this episode, I’m sharing an interview with my good friend Jim Lyons in which we talk about his recent post-COVID trial and the things that he did to connect his client to the jury. We talked about several different ways to do that.
For the past 20 years, Jim’s practice has been in the litigation arena, concentrating on personal injury cases. He also does business litigation and just about any other type of litigation of significant size.
As lawyers, one of the biggest things we forget is that, while our clients hire us, we really should be thanking them for opening up. Therefore, it’s essential to gain their trust so they also gain confidence in us.
When people hire a lawyer, they’re most likely going through a life-changing event, especially in a significant injury or death case. These types of events are extremely tough on them. You have to trust them to be able to tell their stories and tell them well.
Jim highlights the importance of understanding how people express love in a relationship, especially in wrongful death cases where we're talking to juries. You have to trust that your clients are going to get there and be themselves. Even if the way they get to be themselves isn’t perfect, as long as people are being authentic, jurors will respect them.
In this episode, you will hear:
- An overview of Jim’s case
- How to facilitate a relationship with your clients
- Changes and challenges in the courtroom after the pandemic
- How Jim prepared his client (a deceased husband’s wife) for trial
- How to do witness prep
- What Jim brought out of his client’s testimony and used for his closing
- The results of the case and what Jim could have done differently
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
Ready to hit that refresh button for 2022? In this episode, we talk about improving yourself as a trial lawyer by doing this year-end review to refresh and get better for 2022. Planning can be super exciting because it serves as a fresh start. You get to have a whole new fresh calendar and fill it up with fun things, make plans, and set intentions.
As you’re preparing for the new year, use this time to look at the trial schedule and case projections. Look at where cases will be in 2022 – how many will be ready for mediation and how many are ready for filing. Calculate the estimated expenses and schedule out those expenses.
Even if you took just a few minutes to look at what happened in 2021, this would still put you in a better position to get ready for 2022 to hit that refresh button. Go through your calendar, your memory bank, and your photographs to get more details as you're setting new intentions for 2022. One fun thing about 2022 is that, in Chinese astrology, it’s the Year of the Tiger – and so, you either go big or go home.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The benefits of year-end review and planning
- A guide to doing your own year-end review
- Strategies for setting intentions and goals for 2022
- How to develop the not-so-easy habits
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
If you want to download a free habit tracker you can go here: https://jensincero.com/downloads/
Jen Sincero has a book on creating habits called Badass Habits – I highly recommend it!
https://www.amazon.com/Badass-Habits-Cultivate-Awareness-Boundaries/dp/B085VD2JKD
If you want to learn more about Lexlee Overton check out her website: www.MindOverLaw.co
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
Do you feel stuck in a case? Would you like a quick way to get moving? In this episode, I'm giving you two quick, efficient focus groups setups that will get you moving on your case today.
One of the biggest questions that I get when talking to other lawyers about focus groups is what focus groups they should do right now. Now, there are lots of different ways to answer that question.
But first, what is the problem that you're trying to solve right now? And if it feels like you've got too many problems you're trying to solve, that's okay. Today, let's jump into two great focus groups setups that you can use right now that can have a major impact on your case.
These are focus groups that are going to give you new ideas and a new perspective. You're probably going to get some answers that you like and that you don't like. But all in all, it's going to give you some feedback.
Then you can move the case forward, whether that's in the form of getting some ideas and new avenues for discovery or some ideas for deposition questions, or maybe there's a mediation coming up.
Overall, these things are going to help you sleep better at night because you're working on it and you're preparing this case. You're going to get many pieces of information that are really going to impact what you're doing right now with the case.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What is a snapshot focus group setup
- How to put together a snapshot presentation and the best time to do it
- What is an opening statement focus group setup
- Gathering information from an opening statement setup
- The benefits of these two setup groups
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
The trial represents the end date, the final gauntlet. The case is coming to a close and, hopefully, everything will end well. However, it's also a huge step for your client. In this episode, we discuss how to prepare your client for trial.
As a trial lawyer, you want to help your clients prepare for their testimony where they’ll get up on the stand and speak to the jury. You want to prepare them for cross-examination and make sure they understand the heart of a trial: sitting while they are waiting to testify (or after testifying) and listening to the things said about them and to the presentation of evidence by the opposing counsel.
Remember, the number one target of the opposing counsel is your client. You have to prepare your client for that.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Getting the client ready for their role in the deposition
- Grasping the physical and mental aspects of trial
- How to prepare for direct examination
- Things to think about before trial prep and as you get closer to trial
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
As lawyers, we can sometimes get sucked into our cases. Once we bring a case in the door, we start doing research, investigating, and bringing in all the facts and details. We bury ourselves with all of this information that we can get a little lost at times.
As you’re preparing cases, remember a focus group is a great system you can set up to prepare for any kind of claim, whether it's a medical malpractice case, a premises case, or a car wreck case. Once you’ve learned the nuances of setting up focus groups, it will give you the clarity, certainty, and confidence you need.
Now, there has been this big missing block of information about what a focus group is and how it works. Most of the time, what trial lawyers automatically think about when talking about focus groups are the adversarial mock trial groups. Those are great focus groups but it takes a lot of time and energy to put those together. Well, I prefer to do the smaller ones because they’re easier to manage and it’s also a great way to gather information before having to do one of the larger adversarial mock focus groups.
In this episode, I’m going to discuss the basics of focus groups as well as what you should be expecting from future episodes as we get down to the nitty-gritty of how to set up focus groups. The goal is to provide you with a how-to guide so you can start running your own focus groups, or improve your focus group skills, if you’re doing them already.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What is a focus group?
- What a virtual focus group looks like
- Confidentiality forms for everyone’s protection
- What you get from focus groups: clarity, certainty, and confidence
- Running multiple focus groups
- Different styles of presenting information
- The importance of planting good questions
- More details about focus groups that you can expect from future episodes
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
Every case has a client and cases roll into litigation. This means there's going to be a client deposition. This is a resource we have in every case. In this episode, we dive deeper into preparing your client for deposition, why this is important, and some of the things you can do to help your clients prepare better.
Specifically, we're breaking down deposition preparation into three large groups. We want to do the heavy lifting outside the conference room where the deposition will happen by spending enough time with our clients and having tough conversations about the case.
Now, there's a lot of different truth out there and people can paint their own truth (even if it's not factually backed up). That’s why clients have to feel comfortable and understand what we mean when we say we want the truth and the truth will set you free. We want to focus on helping our clients tell the truth.
That's what deposition prep is all about. We want to make sure our clients are walking in with the right mindset and that they understand the right set of rules, what’s going to happen and why, and what everybody's role is. We want to use the right tools and techniques to help them gain clarity of thought, thereby improving the trajectory of the case.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How I got into helping people with their deposition
- The benefits of spending time with your client in preparation for deposition
- What happens when we prepare clients for deposition
- The mindset we want for our clients in regards to understanding the rules
- Tools and techniques you can use to refresh your client’s memory
- The power of roleplaying
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://www.larricklawfirm.com to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
What if you could hang out with trial lawyers and jury consultants, ask them about connecting with clients and juries more effectively, and then take strategies, tactics, and insights to increase your success?
That’s what we do here each week on Trial Lawyer Prep. This is a podcast for trial lawyers with a focus on difficult cases, problematic clients, and taking those difficult and problematic cases to trial. Every episode is an in-depth look at how to regain touch with the everyday world, understand the emotional burden of your clients and juries, and use focus groups in this process.
Our goal is to help you connect with juries and clients so you can improve your abilities in the courtroom. This podcast is going to be about preparing cases step-by-step while always keeping an eye on the jury trial.
We will be giving you the tools, strategies, tips, and techniques in preparing cases to help you get in the trenches while also bringing the fun back to the practice of law and, more importantly, to help you sleep better at night.
In this episode, you will hear:
- About the podcast
- About the podcast host – my journey through the practice of law
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
In this episode, we are going to dive a little deeper into what this podcast is about and how it will serve you.
As a solo practitioner, it can be difficult to actively talk to your audience while getting legal work done. Part of a lawyer’s work is to write extensively (think emails, letters, motions, briefs, etc). By the time you’re writing a marketing piece such as a blog for your website or a marketing email, you're pretty well spent. Plus, the tone is a little different.
I tried to hire folks to do copywriting but it never really sounded authentic to me or to the voice that I wanted. I started blogging which was great but, again, I was struggling with consistency. This went on until my friend, Ernie, suggested I start a podcast.
Being someone who loves listening to podcasts, I thought podcasting would be a great platform to deliver short, digestible information and practical ethical tips to help you with case preparation. At the end of the day, my goal is to help you get connected with your client and jury by polishing up your skills for the courtroom.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Podcasting vs. blogging
- What to expect from this podcast
- The kinds of topics we will cover
- Types of interviews and guests that will be in our future episodes
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Larrick Law Firm
Law Firm Autopilot with Ernie
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.
He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.
Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com
What if you could hang out with trial lawyers and jury consultants, ask them about connecting with clients and juries more effectively; then take strategies, tactics, and insights to increase your success? That’s what we do each week on Trial Lawyer Prep. Hosted by Elizabeth Larrick - experienced trial lawyer, trial consultant, and founder of Larrick Law Firm PC in Austin, TX – every episode is an in-depth look at how to regain touch with the everyday world, understand the emotional burden of your clients and juries, and use focus groups in this process. The goal is to help you connect with juries and clients in order to improve your abilities in the courtroom.