"Just because the jury can't use words, doesn't mean they can't talk to you, it doesn't mean they can't communicate with you. So really listen and really talk."

Andrew Caple-Shaw joined us on RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia's Trial Lawyer Podcast. Andrew is the managing partner at Act of Communication and a professional actor with nearly four decades of experience. He brings the art of performance and a deep understanding of human behavior to the courtroom and to witness preparation—training lawyers to communicate with clarity and confidence and helping witnesses testify effectively.

Andrew shares how emotional sincerity, narrative structure, and storytelling elevate a lawyer’s ability to persuade. We talk about what it means to be truly authentic in front of a jury, why listening and curiosity are essential trial skills, and how societal changes—from shrinking attention spans to evolving cultural norms—are reshaping jury decision-making.

We also dig into the art and science of voir dire, practical techniques for witness preparation that focus on emotional truth, and the transformative role trial lawyers can play when they lead with vulnerability and presence.

It was a privilege having Andrew join us.

RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia's Trial Lawyer Podcast

Trial lawyers do not become great overnight. It takes persistence, a relentless work ethic, a willingness to learn from mistakes, a burning passion for the craft, an authentic self, and the courage and vulnerability to enter the arena time and again.

Those who become great trial lawyers also become great people. Through their work, they grapple with the realities of the human condition and in the process cultivate character, principle, integrity, leadership, strength, compassion, and perseverance.

Based out of Richmond, RVA Trial Lawyers exists for Virginia’s trial lawyers. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki
RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia's Trial Lawyer Podcast

"All you can do is guide and arm your good jurors to go in there and fight for you."

Michael Cowen is one of the most respected voices in the personal injury practice area. Over nearly 30 years, he has tried more than 100 cases and built a reputation for being both a skilled trial lawyer and a generous teacher.

Michael started his career in corporate law in New York but chose to return home to Texas and fight for injured people—and he’s never looked back. His work gives him purpose, and he’s driven by a commitment to growth, integrity, and justice.

In this episode of RVA Trial Lawyers, Michael and Sharif dive into:

• The role of psychodrama for personal growth and trial preparation.
• The value of being intentional about having a positive mindset.
• The responsibility to keep learning—and to help others do the same.

Michael also shares his reflections as host of Trial Lawyer Nation and what he’s learned from the hundreds of conversations he’s had with trial lawyers across the country.

It was a privilege having Michael join us.

RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia's Trial Lawyer Podcast

Trial lawyers do not become great overnight. It takes persistence, a relentless work ethic, a willingness to learn from mistakes, a burning passion for the craft, an authentic self, and the courage and vulnerability to enter the arena time and again.

Those who become great trial lawyers also become great people. Through their work, they grapple with the realities of the human condition and in the process cultivate character, principle, integrity, leadership, strength, compassion, and perseverance.

Based out of Richmond, RVA Trial Lawyers exists for Virginia’s trial lawyers. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki
RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia's Trial Lawyer Podcast

"Focus groups give you a lot of time to practice things that you don't get to practice in court. Getting your feet wet where you can do it without spending a bunch of money is really the only way you can do it these days."

Jessica Brylo is a trial consultant specializing in jury selection, case framing, focus groups, and trial strategy. She has more trial experience than most practicing lawyers, so she knows what works and what doesn't.

Jessica joined us on RVA Trial Lawyers and helped us better understand the role of focus groups in learning about juror attitudes and framing cases effectively, and the significance of preparing for trials through mock trials and data analysis.

It was a privilege having Jessica join us.

Find Jessica's focus group reference guide here: Junk In, Junk Out: A Guide to Conducting Your Own Focus Groups Correctly.

RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia's Trial Lawyer Podcast

Trial lawyers do not become great overnight. It takes persistence, a relentless work ethic, a willingness to learn from mistakes, a burning passion for the craft, an authentic self, and the courage and vulnerability to enter the arena time and again.

Those who become great trial lawyers also become great people. Through their work, they grapple with the realities of the human condition and in the process cultivate character, principle, integrity, leadership, strength, compassion, and perseverance.

Based out of Richmond, RVA Trial Lawyers exists for Virginia’s trial lawyers. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki
RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia's Trial Lawyer Podcast