### Unleashing the Power of Narrative: Introducing "Persuading with Storytelling: A How-To Guide for Trial Attorneys" At Persuadius, we believe that effective communication lies at the heart of every successful trial. As litigation consultants, we constantly seek innovative methods to help trial attorneys connect with jurors and judges and communicate their case narratives more convincingly. That’s why we are thrilled to introduce our latest release, Persuading with Storytelling: A How-To Guide for Trial Attorneys. This indispensable resource dives deep into the art and science of storytelling, offering practical strategies that can transform a good case into a compelling story that resonates. In today's increasingly complex legal landscape, attorneys cannot rely solely on facts, figures, and legalese to win over jurors. Instead, understanding how to craft a persuasive narrative that engages the audience is paramount. Our guide is designed for trial attorneys who recognize the vital importance of storytelling as a tool in the courtroom. Whether you are a seasoned litigator or just starting your journey, this book provides you with the tools necessary to enhance your trial strategy through the power of narrative. Drawing on years of experience in jury consulting, trial graphics, and trial technology, we have distilled the essential elements of storytelling into a practical framework that can be easily applied to any legal case. The lessons covered in this book are grounded in psychological principles and social science research, ensuring that our strategies are intuitive and effective. From understanding the emotional triggers that influence judges and jurors to mastering the structure of a compelling narrative, we guide you through each step of the process. Download now.
Explore the most captivating and insightful litigation consulting articles that drew the interest of tens of thousands of readers in 2024. With nearly 1,000 articles on our site covering a wide range of litigation consulting topics, I find it beneficial to occasionally pause and review what our audience is engaging with. These are the top articles, as determined by your readership, in 2024. The Evolution of Litigation Consulting in 2024 The landscape of litigation consulting has undergone significant transformations in 2024. With advancements in technology, this year has seen pivotal changes that have reshaped the industry. Our readers have shown a keen interest in understanding how these developments impact litigation strategies and outcomes. Our articles have covered topics ranging from the integration of AI in legal practices to the increasing importance of storytelling as a persuasion tool. The insights provided by our expert contributors have been invaluable in navigating these changes, making these topics some of the most viewed of the year. The Top 24 Litigation Consulting Report Articles in 2024 21 Secrets From an Opening Statement Guru: Learn the 21 secrets of crafting a winning opening statement in litigation. Discover the importance of storytelling, simplifying your message, and practicing diligently for success. Trial Graphics and PowerPoint: Learn how PowerPoint can be a powerful tool for creating trial graphics in litigation consulting. Discover how it simplifies complex concepts, creates compelling visuals, and enhances persuasive arguments. Find out why PowerPoint is accessible and adaptable for collaboration. Avoid common mistakes and explore expert tips for using PowerPoint effectively in trial presentations. 9 Hidden Skills of Trial Technicians and Hotseaters You Never Knew About: Discover the hidden skills of trial technicians and hotseaters in this insightful post. Learn about their unique abilities beyond technical support in the courtroom.
As the United States gears up for another presidential election day, the political landscape is influencing voters and the foundations of the justice system. The dynamics of a high-stakes election can seep into courtrooms, affecting jury perceptions and potentially influencing verdicts. This blog post explores the intricate relationship between presidential races and the functioning of juries, examining how political ideologies, media narratives, and public sentiment can shape the decisions of those tasked with delivering justice. Political Polarization and Jury Dynamics In recent years, the U.S. has witnessed increasing political polarization, with citizens becoming more entrenched in their beliefs and less willing to entertain opposing viewpoints. This polarization extends to juries, where jurors' political beliefs can influence their perceptions of cases, particularly those involving contentious social issues. For instance, cases related to police conduct, civil rights, and public health can take on heightened significance in an election year, as jurors may view them through the lens of their political affiliations. Research has shown jurors with strong political beliefs may be more likely to empathize with defendants or plaintiffs who align with their views. For example, during a presidential election, when issues of immigration are front and center, a juror who holds strong anti-immigration sentiments may be less sympathetic to an undocumented defendant facing charges. Conversely, a juror who champions immigrant rights may exhibit bias in favor of the defendant. This phenomenon underscores the need for careful jury selection.
From its inception in 1995 to its multifaceted role today, litigation consulting has revolutionized the field of legal practice. I believe I was the first to use the term (at Animators at Law, predecessor to A2L Consulting, predecessor to Persuadius), but I can't prove that.
This is by far the most important e-book we have ever launched, setting a new standard in the industry with its unparalleled depth and breadth. Spanning an impressive 559 pages, it encompasses nearly everything we know about the art of persuasion through trial graphics and litigation graphics. I am beyond excited to introduce this revolutionary book for 2024. The book is titled Winning With Trial Graphics and Litigation Graphics: A Trial Lawyer's Handbook, and I am thrilled to unveil it to trial attorneys and their support teams. This e-book is an updated edition of our highly acclaimed 2014 version, which has set the benchmark in the industry for the past decade. In this new release, we’ve enriched the content with over 100 fresh articles on trial graphics, litigation graphics, storytelling, and the science of persuasion, making it an invaluable asset for legal professionals. You can download this 559-page book without any obligations by clicking here.
I'm absolutely thrilled to announce the release of Persuadius's latest free litigation e-book, The Opening Statement Toolkit v2. Version 1 (2015) was our most popular ebook of all time, with many litigators telling me, "This is essential reading." You may now download this new book without strings attached by clicking here. In this 271-page book, you will find 80 articles curated from Persuadius's massive collection of posts related to litigation and persuasion. Each article relates to opening statements in some way. From organizing the opening to the use of storytelling techniques to persuade, the book contains an amazing array of tips that will prove valuable to the novice litigator and the veteran alike.
If you’ve been following our blog for a while, you may have let some amazing posts slip under your radar. With over 12 years of blog posts and an impressive 850 entries, it’s easy to miss a few hidden gems. That’s why we’ve compiled this curated list of captivating blog posts that deserve recognition.
80% of jury trials are won or lost in the opening statement. 80%!!!!!!
The Trump trial in New York has been discussed for months. With the jury selection process well underway, several things have gone wrong that could potentially impact the trial's outcome. In this blog post, I'll discuss seven of these issues. 1. Jury members with biases: Finding unbiased and fair jurors is one of the most significant challenges during jury selection. In the case of the Trump trial, potential jurors may have already formed an opinion about the defendant due to the extensive media coverage of the trial. The political climate surrounding the case could also lead to jurors having predetermined notions about the defendant, which could impact their ability to be impartial during the trial. As of this writing, two potential jurors who were already selected have been removed. 12 jurors have already been selected, with Friday dedicated to selecting alternate jurors in case any of the chosen jurors are dismissed. See Font Matters - A Trial Graphics Consultant's Trick to Overcome Bias. 2. Jurors who have already formed an opinion: During the pretrial phase, so much media coverage about the case could influence potential jurors. If potential jurors have already made up their minds about the case, it could impact their ability to remain impartial during the trial. This could lead to jurors not being open to hearing the evidence presented during the trial, which could impact the outcome. For those jurors, the trial would be one extensive exercise in confirmation bias. 3. Jurors have been doxxed: Doxxing, the act of revealing personal information about individuals online, has already proven to be a significant issue during the jury selection process for the Trump trial. This unethical practice can make potential jurors feel exposed and vulnerable, impacting their ability to participate in the trial impartially. With the constant threat of personal information being leaked, jurors may feel pressured or intimidated, affecting their decision-making process. It is crucial for the court to address and prevent any instances of doxxing to ensure a fair and unbiased trial for all parties involved.
Preparing for a mock trial can be daunting, especially if you're unsure how to proceed. That's where a jury consultant comes in. A good jury consultant can help you prepare for a mock trial in various ways. In this blog post, I'll discuss 12 things your jury consultant should do to help you prepare. 1. Developing a Theme One of the first things your jury consultant should do is help you develop a theme for your case. A theme is an overarching idea that ties together all the evidence and arguments in your case. Developing a theme early on can help you stay focused and create a more compelling narrative for the jury. See 14 Differences Between a Theme and a Story in Litigation. 2. Conducting Focus Groups Focus groups are a powerful tool for testing your case theory and identifying potential weaknesses. Your jury consultant should be skilled at conducting focus groups and be able to provide you with valuable insights into how jurors are likely to react to your case. See How Early-Stage Focus Groups Can Help Your Trial Preparation.
I often talk about what not to do, but sometimes, I must remember to mention what you should do to achieve success at trial. In honor of leap year 2024, I have written this article offering 29 tips for successful trial preparation and execution. You can use this list as a checklist to compare yourself to your peers. I did not develop these ideas alone. Instead, they come from my experience working with the best of you over the past 30 years. 1. Conduct a mock trial. The very best litigators always conduct a mock trial when at least $10 million is at stake. Mock trials are a critical part of the Persuadius service offerings. If you want to discuss one, I invite you to email me (ken@persuadius.com) or call me (1-800-847-9330) or, ideally, fill out a client conflict check form by clicking the purple button in the upper right corner of this page. Only three people, including me, see those. 2. Conduct more than one mock trial. The ideal number is three, and that's precisely what I have observed the best trial lawyers do. It's not always affordable, but more than one mock is mandatory for cases with $25 million or more at stake. The only thing that varies is the investment in each mock trial. If $100 million or more is at stake, every mock should have every investment possible (i.e., a proper mock facility, a two-day or three-day mock, live witnesses, opening and closing statements, etc.). 3. Collaborate with litigation consultants who bring experience and insights to trial preparation. With a track record of handling hundreds of trials, we have witnessed exceptional and lackluster attorney performances. We aim to share valuable knowledge and advice, not lecture or boast about expertise. Drawing on the collective wisdom of countless cases, we strive to support you in crafting a solid and effective trial strategy. Litigation consultants can be exceptionally helpful when developing your opening statement. 4. Build a solid opening statement. In 30 years, I haven't seen anything to convince me that the opening statement is not the most essential part of the case. Some studies say that 80% of jurors make a decision about who will win after hearing opening statements. When done correctly, it should take months to develop an opening. It should be tested many times in whatever way your client can afford. We've written extensively about this. This topic is wonderfully covered in our opening statement toolkit ebook. See The Opening Statement Toolkit.
As a litigator, it can be challenging to keep a jury engaged and interested in a trial that may seem dull or monotonous. However, there are several ways to make a boring trial more interesting and compelling. In this article, we will discuss ten effective strategies that can help a litigator keep a jury engaged and make a boring trial more interesting. 1. Start with a strong opening statement The opening statement is the litigator's first opportunity to capture the attention of the jury. It should be concise, clear, and engaging, providing a roadmap for the trial and how the evidence will be presented. A powerful opening statement can evoke emotion and build a connection between the jury and the litigator, setting the stage for a compelling trial. See the free Opening Statement Toolkit. 2. Use visuals to illustrate key points Litigation Graphics such as charts, diagrams, and animations can effectively convey complex information in a more digestible format. By using visuals to illustrate key points, a litigator can enhance understanding and make their arguments more compelling. Visuals also help break up the monotony of long testimonies, keeping the jury engaged and focused. 3. Tell a story Humans are naturally drawn to stories, and a litigator can leverage this by weaving a compelling narrative throughout the trial. By connecting the evidence to a relatable and emotionally engaging story, a litigator can make the case more memorable and help the jury understand complex legal concepts and arguments.
Mock trials are valuable tools for trial attorneys and legal teams to prepare for litigation. These simulated trials allow lawyers to test their case theories, strategies, and arguments before presenting them in a real courtroom. By mimicking the trial process, mock trials provide an opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses, refine arguments, and gain valuable insights. In this article, I will explore the top 10 tips for a successful mock trial in litigation. 1. Define Clear Objectives: Before commencing a mock trial, it is crucial to establish clear objectives. Determine what you aim to achieve through the exercise. Whether it's testing case theories, assessing witness credibility, or refining opening and closing statements, having well-defined goals will help structure the trial effectively. 2. Assemble a Diverse Mock Trial Team: Form a diverse team that includes attorneys, paralegals, and other litigation support staff. Each member should bring a unique perspective to the table, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the case. Diverse backgrounds and expertise will help identify potential blind spots and strengthen your overall trial strategy. 3. Recruit Mock Jurors: Recruiting mock jurors who closely resemble the demographics of your anticipated jury pool is essential. This will provide a realistic representation of how your case may be perceived by the actual jurors. Use professional jury consultants, like those at Persuadius, to find suitable participants.
In recent years, the field of jury consulting has witnessed a significant rise in popularity. Attorneys have come to recognize the importance of having a skilled professional by their side when it comes to selecting a jury. While some consultants rely on their gut instinct and years of experience, others are turning to data-driven techniques to enhance their decision-making process. This blog post explores the emergence of data-driven jury consulting and its implications for the legal profession.
Share: