What About Your Client’s Self-Image and Perception?

How much power does self-perception hold over our actions, and what role does it play in a courtroom scenario? How critical is the reconciliation of dual identities, especially when it comes to legal proceedings? If these questions intrigue you, then this episode is perfect for you. Join me as I discuss the profound impact of client self-image on case testimony, how a client’s perception of themselves can significantly alter their behavior, and how jurors’ immediate judgments can adversely affect a case. I’m also offering gentle strategies that attorneys can adopt to tackle these issues. 

Moving on to the realm of dual identities, we unravel how they can emerge in legal cases and their implications, including a case study about a client who had to grapple with two contrasting identities, and the eventual resolution that led to positive outcomes. We break down the confusion between identity and reputation, and why self-awareness is important. Join me for this illuminating discussion that unlocks the psychological dimensions of trial preparation. 

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Client self-image and testimony impact
  • Navigating dual identities and perceptions in a legal case
  • How self-awareness and reputation can become twisted up in our minds

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Supporting Resources:

“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Badass%C2%AE-Doubting-Greatness/dp/0762447699

Winning Case Preparation: Understanding Jury Bias: https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Case-Preparation-Understanding-Jury/dp/B07L1X7XST 

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.

How Are You Preparing Your Client?

Unlock the secret of success in the courtroom: thorough client preparation. This episode is a wake-up call for all attorneys who underestimate the importance of client deposition or role at mediation. We unravel why investing your time in understanding the client’s mindset can turn the tables in your favor and cement trust. The true value of a lawyer isn’t just represented by the number of cases they successfully close, but also by their ability to prioritize client experiences.

We also devolve into how attorneys can efficiently prepare their clients for depositions and mediations. It’s a harsh reality that due to insufficient guidance from their lawyers, clients often resort to platforms like YouTube for answers. We put a full stop to this common occurrence, stressing the necessity of having at least two preparatory meetings. By taking control of their cases and ensuring a smooth client experience, we, as lawyers, can significantly bolster their reputation and increase their case value. Stride into this episode as we unveil the keys to successful client preparation and testimony.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • The importance of client preparation and perception
  • How lawyers can better prepare clients for cases
  • How to avoid YouTube searches from clients and ensure client satisfaction

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Do you have a question? Or an idea for a podcast episode? Please email Elizabeth directly: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com 

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.

Joseph Rosenfeld Image Consultant for Trial Lawyers

Did you know that your wardrobe could be the key to professional success? Get ready to unlock the powerful potential of personal style on our latest episode with image consultant Joseph Rosenfeld.

Joseph sheds light on his personal journey, revealing how a chance encounter with the Official Preppy Handbook at 15 shaped his unique sense of style and in turn, his approach to consulting. He takes us through his experiences at Neiman Marcus in Chicago, where his interactions with lawyers and wealthy clients refined his skills. He also shares the secret sauce to his client interactions – helping them find their integrity in personal and professional spaces.

We dive headfirst into the art of dressing for the courtroom. Joseph underscores the critical role of storytelling in fashion, the challenges lawyers face keeping up with changing trends, and the importance of understanding the courtroom culture. We unravel the theatrics of court appearances and discuss why it’s crucial for lawyers to be relatable and believable. Joseph also challenges some antiquated advice on the type of appearance that lawyers still adhere to, providing fresh perspectives on dressing for success.

We also explore the immense power of personal image in the legal profession. Joseph draws upon his expertise to explain how an individual’s personality and style can be harnessed to create a look that reflects their self-image. He discusses how the right colors and styles can sow seeds of credibility and trust for potential clients. We also delve into the complexities of keeping up-to-date with fashion trends and identifying archetypes that best suit a lawyer’s personality and style. Finally, we touch on the potential of a well-curated image to change perceptions, even for those with a tarnished reputation. So, gear up for an enlightening discussion and tune in now!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Dressing challenges for trial lawyers
  • The significance of multiple impressions 
  • Theatrics of court and the need for lawyers to be relatable and believable
  • Understanding personality and style for creating a custom look to portray credibility and trustworthiness
  • Discovering fashion trends to create a powerful, confident look for litigators

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

If you want to learn more about Joseph Rosenfeld please connect with him on LinkedIn or visit his website https://www.josephrosenfeld.com/

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.

What Focus Groups Taught Me about Communication

After ten years of focus groups, I take a look back at what focus groups taught me about communication. This episode passes on a few of the major teaching points and likely reinforces things you already knew to be true. Riding on the wave of our experiences, we delve into the importance of understanding the unsaid and the challenges in extrapolating data from a focus group to an entire case.

Imagine if you could simplify legal jargon into a persuasive story that hooks your focus group. That’s exactly what we’re going to demystify in this episode. Learn how to tell your client’s story in a compelling manner that cuts through the noise of legalese and reaches the hearts of your audience. We also underline the importance of tuning into what isn’t being said. Plus, we share our tips on how to champion your clients’ cause using the power of persuasive language. To wrap it all up, we’ll be discussing the significance of closely listening to the unsaid in focus groups. This is a not-to-be-missed episode for anyone looking to elevate their legal practice!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • How to improve communication through focus groups
  • Ways for effective communication and simplifying legal terminology
  • Paying close attention to what is not said in focus groups 
  • How to use persuasive language to advocate for our clients

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.

Guest Andrew Gould on Narrative versus Adversarial Focus Groups

Unearth the inside scoop of the courtroom as I sit down with the formidable Georgia trial lawyer Andrew Gould.  As successful trial lawyers, we delve into ways we’ve learned to connect with juries and clients, enhancing our courtroom prowess, and even share a tale or two about a memorable expert witness.

Ever wondered how resilience and repetition breed success in the legal world? Andrew and I share our candid insights on learning from failures, powered by invaluable lessons from trials and tribulations. Diving into the craftsmanship of narrative-building and handling high-stakes opposition, we explore the essence of trial preparation and the indomitable power of practice. We also tease out the nuances of narrative and adversarial focus groups, their pros and cons, and how they shape the path to victory in the courtroom.

In the final stretch of our conversation, we dissect the role of focus groups in the trial preparation process. From practicality and expenses to the invaluable knowledge they provide, discover how these groups can be a game-changer in the legal landscape. We discuss the benefits of collaboration, the importance of silence and listening, and the significance of adapting to the feedback from these groups. Strap in as we weave through the intricate maze of trials, focus groups, and the relentless journey of personal growth as a trial lawyer.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • The importance of connecting with juries and clients to improve courtroom abilities.
  • Trial preparation and practice in shaping lawyers, viewing failure as a stepping stone to success.
  • Differentiating between narrative and adversarial focus groups, understanding their pros, cons, and application in jury selection and trial preparation.
  • Emphasizing the significance of collaboration and repetition in conducting focus groups.
  • Highlighting the importance of listening and using silence to an attorney’s advantage.
  • Analyzing the feasibility and costs of conducting focus groups and the role of narrative and adversarial focus groups in providing vital data for jury selection.
  • Memorable anecdotes from trials and discussing the importance of preparation, especially in adversarial focus groups.

Connect with Andrew Gould

Andrew@princemay.com

Princenthal, May & Wilson

750 Hammond Drive Building 12, Suite 200
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
(678) 534-3749

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.

How to Navigate and Assist Our Clients with Grief

Grief affects us all differently and can manifest in many ways beyond the loss itself. In this episode, I’m sharing valuable insights on how to better communicate with and support clients experiencing grief, how grief shows up mentally and physically for clients, and some practical tips for avoiding common communication pitfalls. 

As lawyers, we can better support our clients by learning to communicate with empathy and understanding. By listening without judgment, we can help clients identify and name their losses, and provide education and resources. With these simple strategies, we can make a real difference for our clients navigating grief and loss.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Grief as a normal reaction to any loss or change, like loss of job, health, or freedom 
  • How grief manifests mentally with reduced focus, isolation, emotional rollercoaster, and numbness. 
  • How grief manifests physically with disturbed sleep, eating changes, body aches, and fatigue
  • “I can’t imagine how you feel” vs. “I know how you feel” 
  • Helping clients identify and name their losses – tangible or intangible
  • Asking clients to tell you their story and listening without judgment
  • Avoid common myths like “stay busy” or “be strong.”
  • Provide clients with education on grief and resources.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

To learn more about Grief and The Grief Recovery Method visit: www.griefrecovery.com 

To download the free e-book on grief, visit: https://larricklawfirm.com/grief-recovery/

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.

Ways We Have Been Taught to Deal with Grief

Have you ever been told, in the midst of loss or grief, to ‘stay busy’ or ‘give it time’? This episode explores how such childhood messages shape our perceptions of grief and loss. We’ll be unpacking these often confusing and unhelpful strategies, shining a revealing light on how they can negatively impact our adult responses to grief. Then, we’ll be discussing ways to reframe these ingrained messages and come up with supportive strategies that promote healthier processing of grief.

Next, we’ll venture into some invisible backpacks of unprocessed emotions, a weight we unknowingly carry from childhood. We’ll uncover how these emotional burdens can manifest as short-term energy-relieving behaviors. Maybe you’ve noticed yourself overeating, drinking more, or shopping excessively. 

As professionals in the legal field, we’ll dig deep into how our clients’ behaviors can be connected to these emotions and how we can help them navigate their grief. This episode is a heartfelt journey for anyone, lawyer or not, seeking a better understanding of grief and its complex layers.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Ways we’ve been told incorrectly during childhood to deal with grief
  • Why time doesn’t heal grief; and what does?
  • Invisible backpacks of childhood emotions
  • Short-term energy-relieving behaviors and how lawyers can help clients process them

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

To learn more about Grief and The Grief Recovery Method visit: www.griefrecovery.com 

To download the free e-book on grief, visit: https://larricklawfirm.com/grief-recovery/

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.

What is Grief?

Have you ever thought about the role grief plays in our lives, especially in a legal context? As a seasoned trial lawyer, I’m shedding light on this often-overlooked facet of litigation. Grief is not just a reaction to death, but a universal response to loss. From wrongful death cases to personal injury disputes, this emotional journey can be a complex maze. In this series, I guide you through my own experience with grief recovery, offering lessons that can aid your personal journey or provide understanding for your clients.

We go beyond the conventional understanding of grief, debunking the myth of universal stages and exploring how it can be triggered by both tangible and intangible losses – a business split or a criminal case, for instance. 

It’s time to realize that lawyers and their clients may not be cognizant of their own grief, and how it can be navigated. If you’re a trial lawyer or anyone grappling with loss, this series presents a fresh perspective on grief and recovery. So, let’s journey together through this complex spectrum of human emotion.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Understanding grief and its many forms
  • Understanding grief in trial law
  • Misunderstandings about grief and loss
  • Expanding the definition of grief 

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

To learn more about Grief and The Grief Recovery Method visit: www.griefrecovery.com 

To download the free e-book on grief, visit: https://larricklawfirm.com/grief-recovery/

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.

Solving a Mediation Problem with John Rubin

Ever wondered how the legal world and technology intersect? Well, get ready to demystify that as we chat with John Rubin, an innovator changing the game in the legal scene. A seasoned lawyer and entrepreneur, John brings an in-depth look at how he’s leveraged his experiences in the courtroom to create ground-breaking tools for attorneys and mediators. 

Join us as we navigate the legal landscape with John, exploring the concept of LitX (Litigation Exchange), a brilliant tool designed to enhance the efficiency of mediation. Probing deeper, we get to unveil the inner workings of LitX, its robust features, and how it’s poised to transform the legal field. From its seamless integration with case management software to its secure, HIPAA-compliant environment, LitX is more than just a tool—it’s a game changer.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Together, we unravel the future of legal case management and how LitX is leading the charge. With its freemium model and potential integrations, we delve into how John envisions the platform’s evolution. Whether you’re a lawyer, a mediator, or a technology enthusiast, this episode offers a unique perspective that you wouldn’t want to miss. So, buckle up and join us for this enlightening conversation with John Rubin, and let’s unearth the future of law and technology together!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • About John Rubin and his backstory
  • Chess game-like case management platform
  • Inviting and sharing documents on LitX 
  • Cost-saving solution for the insurance industry
  • Creating LitX and an overview of LitX platform features
  • Legal case management software features
  • Freemium model and future integrations

Supporting Resources:

If you want to learn more about LitX or try it for free, please visit: www.litx.legal

DIY Focus Groups with Clint Schumacher

Imagine being able to improve your trial practice by utilizing DIY focus groups – well, that’s exactly what our guest, Clint Schumacher, has been doing. As an attorney specializing in eminent domain cases, Clint shares his fascinating journey of implementing focus groups to enhance his practice, and how Zoom has become an essential tool in facilitating them. We also take a deep dive into recruitment strategies, discussing the importance of finding the right participants and sharing the tips and tricks Clint has learned along the way.

When it comes to condemnation cases, people’s emotional reactions are often at the forefront. Clint and I discuss the complexities of these cases, the inherent bias against the government taking property, and how to gauge the emotional value of a particular property case in order to better communicate with the jury. We also explore the scaling question, which measures how much people care about the case, as well as the importance of communicating facts clearly in focus groups.

Setting up a virtual focus group may seem daunting, but we cover everything you need to know, from the geographic area to be sampled to the recruitment process and the electronic confidentiality form used. We also discuss the challenges of finding participants in rural areas and how Clint and his team have been successful in using Facebook ads and Google forms for recruitment. Finally, we touch on the challenges of virtual focus groups, the strategies needed to handle them, and the undeniable importance of focus groups for trial lawyers. Don’t miss this engaging and informative conversation!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • DIY focus groups for trial lawyers
  • Measuring emotional engagement in focus groups
  • Virtual focus group process and challenges
  • Managing remote meeting disruptions
  • DIY focus groups for lawyers

 

Supporting Resources: If you’d like to know more about my guest Clint Schumacher, please visit his podcast or website.

Clint Schumacher

DAWSON & SODD, PLLC

8333 Douglas Avenue #380

Dallas, Texas 75225

Email:  clint@dawsonsodd.com 

Phone:  214-373-8181

Fax:  214-217-4230

Licensed in Texas and Oklahoma

www.dawsonsodd.com

Clint has represented property owners of all sizes that are being impacted by public projects. Over the last twenty years, Clint has developed a particular expertise in condemnation for highway projects. He is able both to work with the condemning authority to try to minimize impacts and, when that fails, to seek full compensation for the owner. He will often recognize what others miss.  His varied client list includes Fortune 500 companies, Wall Street investment firms, national restaurant brands, international hotel chains, individual investors, developers, and families. Before joining Dawson & Sodd, Clint represented regional toll authorities and mass-transit authorities in some of the largest projects in north Texas.

Clint continually seeks to build on his extensive litigation experience by studying and practicing the art of effective advocacy. This dedication to excellence has led him to being named as a Texas Super Lawyer in Eminent Domain by Texas Lawyer magazine (a Thomson Reuters publication) in 2014-22 and to being recognized by D Magazine as one of the top lawyers in Dallas.

Clint is the host of The Eminent Domain Podcast which can be found on ITunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or at its home website: www.eminentdomainpodcast.com. The podcast covers all things eminent domain and reaches listeners across the U.S. and in several foreign countries.

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.