A Year-End Retrospective Based on Reader Viewership What Persuasion Looked Like in 2025 Every year, certain ideas quietly rise to the top—not because they’re trendy, but because they work. In 2025, Persuadius readers gravitated toward articles that challenged conventional trial habits: over-reliance on logic, cluttered visuals, bullet-point thinking, and storytelling that tells instead of shows. The most-read pieces this year shared a common theme: persuasion is less about adding more information and more about shaping how jurors understand what matters. Below is our list of the 15 most-read Persuadius articles of 2025, ranked by reader viewership. Together, they offer a revealing snapshot of what litigators are rethinking—and refining—about storytelling, jury persuasion, trial graphics, and courtroom strategy. 🔝 The Top 15 Most-Read Persuadius Articles of 2025 1. The Paradox of Persuasion: Why Logic Often Fails in the Courtroom This article explores why purely logical arguments frequently fall flat with jurors, despite lawyers’ instinct to “prove” their case rationally. Drawing on cognitive science and real-world trial experience, it explains how persuasion is more often driven by meaning, emotion, and narrative coherence than by facts alone. 2. 5 Alternatives to Persuasion-Killing Bullet Points A direct challenge to one of trial lawyers’ most ingrained habits, this piece shows how bullet points dilute persuasion and fragment juror understanding. It offers five concrete visual and narrative alternatives that communicate ideas more clearly and memorably in the courtroom.
Courtrooms are high-stakes environments where timing, clarity, and professionalism matter just as much as the facts of the case. As a litigator, your attention belongs on persuading the jury and navigating the judge’s rulings—not on fumbling with cables, projectors, or trial presentation software. Yet these technical challenges are inevitable in modern trials.
A couple of decades ago, I was consulting on a multi-week federal trial—big case, tight courtroom, full of moving parts. The lead litigator had rehearsed every line of the opening, the graphics were locked, and the witnesses were prepped. But then, two minutes before opening statements, a projector bulb blew. No panic. No scrambling. The trial technician—who had quietly loaded, tested, and redundantly backed up everything the night before—walked calmly to the cart, replaced the bulb, and got the system online again before court was gaveled in. No one noticed. Except the team. And me.
In the legal field, many roles contribute to a trial's success. Two important positions that often work behind the scenes are trial technicians and paralegals. Both are crucial to preparing and executing legal proceedings, yet their roles and responsibilities can differ significantly. In this article, I'll explore the key differences between trial technicians and paralegals, helping you understand why each role is vital in its own way — and why they really shouldn't ever be the same person.
As the mattress sales wrap up from Presidents' Day, I thought it might be valuable to pause and reflect on this little-known gift from the first president. Apparently, in his youth, Washington was assigned a penmanship exercise of copying the rules of civility as drafted by others before him, and perhaps he editorialized in that process. Everyone likes to think that a 16-year-old Washington wrote these rules, but I think it is more likely that they were associated with Jesuits hundreds of years earlier. I've always felt a special connection to George Washington, having grown up on property that was once his farm, part of his Mount Vernon estate. In my downtime, I collect and write about historical items related to the history of the Alexandria area and George Washington. See https://ourhistorymuseum.org/blog/tag/george-washington. In this lengthy article, I have rewritten these rules of civility to apply to courtroom presentation, persuasion, jury consulting, courtroom technology, and general decorum for the trial lawyer. My general disposition as a litigation consultant is to win at all costs, so many of these rules are also aspirational. Unless the original rule fits, I am presenting my courtroom-translated rule, followed by the original rule. "George Washington's" 110 Trial Lawyer Rules of Civility 1. Every action done in the courtroom ought to be with some sign of respect to those who are present. That especially means not reading bullet points to your judge or juror. It wastes their time. See 5 Alternatives to Persuasion Killing Bullet Points From Our Litigation Consultants. Original rule: Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present. 2. When in a courtroom, don't do anything embarrassing with technology or otherwise. See Today's Tech Failure at the George Zimmerman Trial Takes Center Stage and 12 Ways to Avoid a Trial Technology Superbowl-style Courtroom Blackout Original rule: When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body, not usually discovered. 3. Show nothing to opposing counsel during opening statements that (unexpectedly) draws an objection. See 7 Times When Litigation Graphics Hurt Youand21 Secrets From an Opening Statement Guru. Original rule: Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.
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.
I am delighted to announce the release of Persuadius's latest free litigation e-book, Trial Technicians, Hotseaters & Trial Technology 2024, designed for trial attorneys and their support staff. This e-book is a follow-up to the popular 2014 version that has been the industry standard for the past 10 years. We have added over 30 new articles on trial technicians, hotseaters, and trial technology, all included in this latest release. You can download this 153-page book without any obligations by clicking here. This book contains 60 articles carefully selected from Persuadius's extensive collection of posts related to litigation and technology. Each article is relevant to high-tech trials in some way, covering topics such as hiring a hot seater, establishing a good working relationship with them, and effectively utilizing trial technology. The book is filled with valuable tips that will benefit both novice litigators and experienced professionals.
In the fast-paced and busy year of 2024, I realize it has been quite some time since I last assessed which blog articles resonate the most with our readers. The articles garnering the most attention delve into opening statements, PowerPoint techniques, and insights on hot seaters. I've compiled a list of the most popular articles with links for easy reference. Each link is set to open in a new window to ensure a seamless reading experience.
In the high-stakes world of trial presentations, hiring the right trial technician or hot seater can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. These are not usually your Litigation Graphics experts (see Why Trial Tech ≠ Litigation Graphics). Before making this crucial decision, it's important to have 15 key conversations with potential candidates to ensure they have the skills, experience, and demeanor necessary to support your legal team effectively. From discussing their technical expertise and familiarity with courtroom procedures to assessing their ability to handle high-pressure situations and work collaboratively with your attorneys, these conversations are essential in finding the perfect fit for your trial team. By taking the time to thoroughly vet and communicate with potential trial technicians or hot seaters, you can feel confident in your decision and maximize your chances of success in the courtroom. To pinpoint the perfect match for your team, here are 15 key conversations that should be had, presented in no specific order.: 1. Availability: Finding the right trial technician or hot seater can be daunting, with availability often serving as the biggest challenge. The top professionals in this field are typically booked months in advance, making it crucial to plan ahead and secure their services well in advance. When time is of the essence, turning to a reputable firm like Persuadius can be invaluable, as we have a wide network of experienced trial technicians ready to support your legal team at a moment's notice. By tapping into our resources, you can ensure that you have access to a pool of highly skilled professionals who can help you navigate the complexities of trial presentations with confidence and expertise. See Good Luck Finding a (Good) Trial Technician in May or October. 2. Local: Finding a local trial technician is often a top priority for most trial teams — often inexplicably so, as far as I'm concerned. The convenience of having them nearby can be helpful, allowing for seamless communication and collaboration. But for less than the cost of one hour of your time, you can have them in the hotel where your war room is located. While it's important to prioritize skill and expertise over proximity, having a local trial technician can offer added benefits, such as being readily available for on-site support and minimizing logistical challenges. They might also have experience in the courthouse where your trial will be held. Sometimes, they might even know the clerk, which can be truly helpful.
Aspiring lawyers and legal professionals may be surprised to learn that finding a competent trial technician during May or October can be challenging. The reason for this is simple: most are already busy working on long trials scheduled by judges who want to avoid holiday and vacation periods. Those not familiar with the role of a trial technician are responsible for ensuring that all courtroom technology runs smoothly during a trial. This includes setting up and maintaining audio and visual equipment, preparing exhibits, and managing the presentation of evidence. Given the critical nature of their work, it's no surprise that trial technicians are in high demand. But why are they swamped in May and October? The answer lies in judges' scheduling preferences.
As a trial lawyer or someone working close to one, you may already be familiar with trial technicians and hotseaters. These professionals provide essential technical support during trials, ensuring everything runs smoothly. They usually sit adjacent to counsel's table and run your trial presentation, including the displays of exhibits and demonstrative evidence. However, you may not know that trial technicians and hotseaters possess a host of hidden skills that go beyond their technical capabilities. Here are some of the hidden skills of trial technicians and hot seaters that you never knew about: 1. They Dress Appropriately If you are in court, you should dress like you are in court. To me, a lifelong Virginia/DC resident, this means white, blue, or cream shirts, a dark suit, and a conservative tie. Black shirts, light-colored suits, and loosely knotted or holiday-themed ties are a no-go at Persuadius. But each trial team has its own style. It is essential to blend in with your trial team. Good trial techs and hotseaters know this intuitively. They want to avoid making a fashion statement in a courtroom or standing out. They want to blend into the background. 2. Some Trial Technicians Are Designers, But It's Rare A rare breed of trial technicians or hot-seaters can also create (sophisticated) demonstrative evidence, usually in PowerPoint. These multifaceted individuals typically start as designers and become trial technicians/hot seaters. This is a beneficial talent. They typically cost more per hour because of these individuals' rarity. Still, they allow the trial team to create exhibits mid-trial instead of simply showing documents and doing live callouts.
When it comes to trial, preparation is key. One of the most important parts of that preparation is having a reliable and skilled trial technician on your team. They are in very high demand at Persuadius. Trial technicians are an invaluable asset in the courtroom, helping to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that you have everything you need to present your case effectively. Here are 10 ways trial technicians take the worry out of trial: 1. Technical Expertise: Trial technicians are highly skilled in using the latest technology to present evidence (increasingly OnCue vs. Trial Director) and exhibits in the courtroom. They can manage complex audio and video presentations, create interactive exhibits, and handle all aspects of courtroom technology. 2. Familiarity with Courtroom Procedures: Trial technicians are familiar with courtroom procedures and know how to navigate the unique challenges of each courtroom. They can help you prepare for the specific courtroom where your trial will take place, ensuring that you are fully prepared for any unexpected issues.
A very close friend just asked me what we do at A2L Consulting. Last week, a 30-year colleague and client remarked that he didn’t realize that half of our business involved jury consulting. Last night, a high-profile trial lawyer kindly complimented our firm while speaking to a group -- but called the company by its former name of 10 years ago. It’s my job to explain to people who we are and what we do, and some of the people closest to me don’t understand what we do as litigation consultants at A2L Consulting. Clearly, I am doing something wrong. The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed overview of the work we do as litigation consultants. Still, it will also educate anyone involved in trying cases about best practices in specific areas of trial preparation and trial practice. The Big Picture Our firm was one of the first (if not the very first) to call itself a Litigation Consulting firm back in the mid-1990s. At a 30,000 foot level, litigation consultants like A2L are hired by top trial lawyers and large corporate legal departments to help increase the odds of winning a particular case. We help increase the odds of winning a particular case by: testing and refining cases during a mock trial and jury consulting process by soliciting and measuring feedback from mock jurors and mock judges; helping to refine the narrative and key arguments to be delivered at trial through our peer-to-peer litigation consulting process. This litigation consulting process often includes multiple rounds of practice, particularly of the opening statement; designing litigation graphics presentations rooted in persuasion psychology that help judges and jurors both understand our cases and help to persuade those same fact-finders to take our side in the case; and using highly trained hot-seat operators (trial technicians) to display electronic evidence on the fly and leave the trial attorney in a position to connect with judge and jury; I call these four areas, jury consulting, litigation consulting, litigation graphics consulting, and trial technology consulting. Collectively, I call them all litigation consulting. Within each category, there are MANY sub-services. Below is an overview with linked articles that explain each of these four areas in more detail and offer best practices. If you are in the business of trying cases, there is a lot of value here for you in the materials below.
Almost every day, our trial-lawyer litigation graphics consultants and our jury consultants are working to help a trial team to develop, refine, and practice their opening statements. We do this nationwide, often hundreds of times a year. Every trial team is different. One team, I recently had the pleasure of working with asked me for a model of what the best trial presenters do a week or two before trial. They didn't come out and ask that specific question, but they asked a lot of specific questions like: To practice, do we just print our opening from Word and read it? How do we integrate the slides when practicing? Do we print out the PowerPoint slides, and what about the animations where the text overlaps when we print? Should I read the opening or memorize it? Should we just work from bulleted phrases? Do I use the slides as cues for what to say next? Should I run the presentation as first-chair? These are great questions! Fortunately, there are specific best-practices that answer each of these questions. For our litigation consultants and for our clients who go to trial often (1x/year+), many of these are second nature. For most, however, there will be a tip or two of very high-value below. Here are 10 best practices and tips for the period of time immediately before trial: 1. It should look like this when you are done. Put your politics aside for a second. The impeachment trial presentations were not the very best I've ever seen, but they were certainly good enough. If you use the trial presentation style from the impeachment trials, you are well on your way towards excellence. But, in particular, I want you to watch a minute or so of two videos and consider three elements: 1. How trial presentation notebooks are used; 2. Absolutely no use of a clicker; 3. The presentations complement what is being said and don't feel like a jarring interruption. Here is an example from each side of the impeachment trial. Watch about 60 seconds of each to see the presentation style. 2. The trial presentation notebook. I think a well-prepared trial presenter works toward (at a minimum) presenting in a way that looks like those trial lawyers above. They use PowerPoint and follow many best practices for doing so. See my four-part series on trial presentation lessons from the impeachment trial. In particular, however, note that each trial lawyer presents from a trial presentation notebook. Their arguments are written out, PowerPoint slides are integrated into the language in Word, and this is printed out and placed in a three-ring binder so that the presenter never gets lost. They read their statements for the most part, but they also connect with their audiences. The printed version of your trial presentation notebook should look a bit like this as you head to trial: As you can see, your demonstrative evidence and real evidence is integrated into your written opening. Also, pauses and reminders to the presenter are included in the text. It's great when a trial lawyer memorizes their opening, but I find this only really works AFTER the entire opening has been written word-for-word in full-text form. I would MUCH rather watch a presenter who is organized and polished who reads than one wings it and stumbles about. I find that after one practices their opening from the written version enough, one cannot help but memorize it. 3. First chair really should not run the presentation. I know you like to be in control. I know you might want to go back and say something. However, if you have practiced enough, none of that will happen, and control doesn’t matter anymore. Hand over the clicker/laptop, and you get to look polished and prepared. Please see Trial Lawyers, Relinquish the Clicker. When you have your trial presentation notebook printed and ready to go, your trial technician (or a colleague) can simply follow along and control the presentation.
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