Category: Podcast

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Today, let’s start with the best time to run focus groups. Sure, you can run a focus group at any time. But if you want to get the most out of it, there are actually six spots to run a focus group in your case.

These are great places to help you prepare the case better.  But these are all opportunities for you to grow the case better and to help you look at things with a new set of eyes. You can always do more –  or less, but at least do one or two to have that outside perspective that will help keep you moving along.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Running a focus group during case planning (before the lawsuit)
• What to focus on after key deposition testimony
• Why do short focus groups 30 days before mediation
• The purpose of a focus group 90 days before the end of discovery
• Things to consider 60 days before trial
• What to do 30 days before trial

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.

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 have questions or suggestions, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: 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.

• Episode Website

Have you ever wondered how to set up a focus group system that not only saves you money but also provides invaluable feedback for your courtroom success? In this episode, I share my insights and experiences on creating your very own focus group that will help you improve your skills and case strategies. I cover the non-economic damages model, the confusion around it, and how it could create gaps in your case. Plus, I discuss how to eliminate a defense argument and even add facts to your case from the focus group feedback. We dive deeper into strategies for ensuring reliable feedback from your focus groups, such as preventing repeats, providing clear instructions, and utilizing the right tools for communication, payment, hosting meetings, and advertising. By treating participants with respect and making it easy for them to participate, you can guarantee they’re engaged and providing honest feedback. Listen as I discuss how these strategies can help you get the practice and feedback needed for courtroom success. Lastly, I touch on streamlining focus group logistics by suggesting the use of tools like PayPal, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Dropbox. To help you get started, I’m offering a free download of my questionnaire. So hit play and join me in this episode to learn how to optimize your focus group system and ultimately improve your abilities in the courtroom. Don’t forget to leave a review and follow the podcast to help others find it!

In this episode, you will hear:

• Learning from focus groups 
• The value of having a Gmail account
• Setting up and managing focus groups
• Ways to improve communication and directions
• How to select from a diverse focus group participants 

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:

Please follow this link to download the Virtual Focus Group Checklist: https://fantastic-designer-3528.ck.page/635800b2c4

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.

Discover the secrets to successfully recruiting focus group participants in my conversation with Rhonda, a seasoned virtual assistant based in Charleston, South Carolina. Learn how our innovative recruitment system, utilizing platforms like Craigslist and Facebook, has proven effective in drawing in participants from various locations across the US. Rhonda’s own experience as a focus group participant drives her passion for helping others find the perfect candidates for their groups.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The importance of advertising and maintaining an active Facebook page for focus group recruitment.
• How to utilize Google Forms and questionnaires to vet potential participants.
• The benefits of using a step-by-step email sequence to confirm attendance and manage expectations.
• The necessity of maintaining a master list and a no list to ensure proper eligibility and successful participation.
• How to handle payments through platforms like PayPal and Venmo, and streamline communication using email templates.

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet. 

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 have questions or a particular challenge with focus groups, email Elizabeth directly for assistance: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com.

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.

He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their businesses and impact the world.

Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com