Description
Criminal defense attorneys face complex challenges at every stage of trial—from jury selection and evidentiary disputes to closing arguments. This program, designed for public defenders and criminal defense counsel, provides practical guidance rooted in the Trial Manual for the Defense of Criminal Cases to help sharpen your advocacy and elevate your courtroom practice. Whether you represent adults or youth, this session offers timely strategies and real-world insights to support effective, ethical, and client-centered defense.
Storytelling is a long-held tradition across cultures and continents, building connections between individuals through triumph, heartache, love, and loss. The power of storytelling does not stop in individual homes, however. Scientific studies point to the chemical responses our brains have when we listen to powerful narratives: we are more likely to empathize with people, connect with the storyteller, and remember what we heard. The lessons learned from storytelling are crucial as we think about sharing the perspective and experiences of people in courtrooms across the country.
Key topics include:
- The science behind storytelling and its impact on juries and judges
- Strategies for uncovering and elevating your client’s narrative
- Using storytelling to inform voir dire, case theory, and opening statements
- How to counter prosecution narratives through reframing and empathy
- Structuring closing arguments to leave a lasting impression
This session will explore how powerful storytelling and narrative amplification techniques are essential in every phase of trial practice, from jury selection to closing argument. Join us as we discuss the importance of understanding and sharing stories as a litigation strategy.
This program is designed for public defenders, criminal defense attorneys, and legal aid counsel seeking to strengthen their trial skills and deepen their understanding of best practices in criminal litigation. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned practitioner, this session provides actionable guidance to enhance your advocacy in both adult and juvenile cases.