When people think about great lawyers, they often picture someone delivering a powerful closing argument, dominating a courtroom cross-examination, or dismantling an opponent with brilliant legal analysis. But one of the most important skills excepti…
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Most people believe that legal problems are won or lost in court. Often, they are not. Many cases are substantially affected long before a hearing, deposition, trial, disciplinary proceeding, or appeal ever begins. In fact, one of the most damaging m…
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In many professions, people can succeed quietly. The legal profession is different. Lawyers operate in a world built heavily on trust, credibility, judgment, and reputation. Judges talk to one another. Clients share experiences. Opposing counsel reme…
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Most people believe that bad legal outcomes happen because someone acted dishonestly, recklessly, or irresponsibly. Sometimes that is true. But often, people make poor decisions for a far more understandable reason: pressure. Pressure changes the way…
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Hiring a lawyer can be one of the most important decisions a person ever makes. Whether facing litigation, professional discipline, academic misconduct allegations, business disputes, or a government investigation, clients are often navigating high-s…
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Many people assume that the most persuasive lawyers are the loudest lawyers, the most aggressive lawyers, or the lawyers who speak with the most confidence. That is wrong. The most persuasive lawyers are usually the ones who understand people. They u…
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Starting your legal career can be exciting, stressful, and uncertain. Law school teaches you how to think like a lawyer, but it often does not teach you how to succeed in the day-to-day practice of law. Becoming an excellent attorney requires far mor…
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It is not easy to persuade a judge, jury, or any audience to adopt your point of view—particularly when the audience begins from a position of skepticism or disagreement. Persuasive advocacy requires far more than mastering legal doctrine. It requi…
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Closing argument is among the most critical parts of a trial, as it provides attorneys with one final opportunity to persuade the jury to rule in their favor. Below are tips to maximize the persuasive value of a closing argument. Begin with a strong…
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Opening statements are among the most critical aspects of a trial. Indeed, the opening statement provides attorneys with the opportunity to, among other things, make an excellent first impression with the jury, highlight the most favorable facts supp…
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