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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Most writing advice is either vague (“find your voice”) or obvious (“be clear”). Neither helps when the stakes are real—when you’re writing for judges, editors, gatekeepers, or readers who are actively looking for reasons to stop reading.…
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The preliminary statement, or introduction, is among the most critical parts of a brief. Indeed, the preliminary statement affords you the opportunity to concisely and persuasively explain why you should win, and thus make an excellent first impressi…
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Most attorneys understand that you must know the record and the law when preparing for an oral argument before an appellate court. You must craft a concise, organized, and compelling argument and be able to distinguish unfavorable law and reconcile u…
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Great writing is not simply about following conventional rules. It is about knowing when—and how—to use unconventional writing techniques that enable creativity and enhance persuasion. Below are a few unconventional writing tips that can improve…
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In litigation, attorneys write countless briefs at the trial and appellate stages, many of which involve opposing motions filed by an adversary, such as motions to dismiss, compel discovery, or for summary judgment. Effectively responding to these mo…
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