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…

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…

As a professor and pre-law advisor, countless students express a passion for and commitment to a legal career every semester. In so doing, they always ask the same question: what skills are needed to be a great lawyer? Intelligence, critical thinking…

Developing strong persuasive advocacy skills—both written and oral—is a challenging process that requires dedication, resilience, a growth mindset, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Law students begin honing these skills early, navigating th…

Anxiety is a common experience for attorneys. Whether you’re preparing for an oral argument, conducting a deposition, or leading a trial, the pressure can be intense—and the fear of underperforming can be debilitating. But anxiety doesn’t have…

Ask a juror what they remember months after trial, and chances are they’ll recite the theme—not the jury charge. At the core of every persuasive brief, oral argument, or trial lies a theme—the beating heart of your case that distills law and fa…

Public-employee speech doctrine appears, on paper, to be well settled. Courts recite familiar tests, invoke settled standards, and reaffirm bedrock First Amendment principles. The rules are known. The frameworks are stable. The citations are routine.…

Most lawyers think they’re good negotiators because they argue for a living. They’re not. Argument is about winning a point. Negotiation is about shaping a decision. The best negotiators don’t overpower the other side—they design the environm…