Case Themes & Arguments
Our research tells us that jurors judge a case by uncovering and exploring the story behind both the evidence and testimony they hear at trial. From brainstorming sessions to in-depth analyses of the case documents and pretrial research, we work with your team to create a persuasive story structured around strong, memorable themes.
Opening Statements
Opening statements are best when they simplify and condense complex information, orient jurors to the facts of the case, and captivate jurors with compelling themes. Our approach helps you develop a roadmap for the evidence that maximizes jurors’ comprehension. Whether we review your written drafts or rehearse with you in person, you will receive specific suggestions on thematic structure, language use, analogies, and key graphics.
Closing Arguments
Closing arguments provide counsel with the last chance to deliver arguments that leave a lasting impression on jurors. A well-crafted closing reminds jurors of the strongest evidence for your client, provides counter-arguments for strong evidence offered by opposing counsel, revisits the themes from your case, and appeals to jurors’ intellect and emotions. We work with counsel to refine closing arguments after mock trial research, and provide further refinements once the evidence phase of the trial concludes.
Courtroom Graphics
Great graphics simplify complex information in a visually compelling way. We work closely with your trial team and graphics consultants to maximize the persuasive power of your graphics. Whether producing an organizational chart, a timeline, a graphical representation of a complicated method patent, or a graphic conveying the scope of an alleged conspiracy, our team understands that simple and elegant graphics result from a willingness to sift through details until the big picture emerges.
Witness Evaluation & Preparation
Each witness creates an impression and the quality of that impression has a powerful effect on jurors. Sometimes it is not what the witness says, but how it is said that makes the difference. Whether it is a fact witness or an expert, good communication is key to effective testimony.
We offer an individualized approach for each witness that helps them build confidence and adopt the communications tools necessary to engage jurors in the courtroom.
An explanation of the graphic below can be found in Dr. Alexis Forbes’s article titled, “Untying Tongues: Preparing Witnesses with Limited English Proficiency.” In this article, Dr. Forbes helps choreograph the complex dance between witnesses with limited English language skills, attorneys, translators, and jurors.
