"Having done so many focus groups, you get a good, fine-tuned ear for what is clear testimony and what is not. The goal of this method is for people to be as comfortable as they can, but then have confident, clear testimony that is very credible."

Trial Consultant Elizabeth Larrick joins us today to discuss the importance and methodology of both witness preparation and focus groups.

Elizabeth shares her journey from being a plaintiff's trial lawyer to running her own consulting firm. We cover the witness prep method she learned under the guidance of the Keenan Trial Institute, the psychological aspects of prepping witnesses, the use of visual aids, and common mistakes lawyers should avoid.

We then delve into how focus groups can enhance a lawyer's approach to cases by providing diverse perspectives and fostering better case framing. Elizabeth shares practical advice for both seasoned and aspiring trial lawyers on how to improve their litigation skills and client interactions.

It was a privilege having Elizabeth join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

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, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. 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
Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

"The middle of a trial is the only place I've ever been where the thought came over me, 'This is where you belong. Right here. In this chaos.' Having some control over a situation that most people feel is totally out of control. You're in the eye of the storm, and it's calm there."

-John Merrick

Personal Injury Lawyers John Merrick and Les Brock spent a combined 25 years defending insurance companies and other large corporations, before moving to defend individuals and their families in personal injury and wrongful death cases, as well as businesses in payment claims, fraud and other business torts.

We talk today about that journey, taking the big step nearly 7 years ago to go out on their own, the lifestyle implications, business acumen required and complete mindset shifts involved.

John and Les share what they've learned about valuation, taking cases to trial, working with claims adjusters and the contrasts between big firms and a small, nimble firm like their own.

It was a pleasure having John and Les join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

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, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. 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
Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

"What is going to drive damages has little to do with what the client is going to say about their therapy records, and instead is going to have everything to do about the conduct of an organization and/or perpetrator. That's what drives the value."

Guy D'Andrea is a passionate defender of victims of abuse, and has pursued justice against many notable religious institutions, boarding schools, massage therapists, healthcare providers and more. Today he shares what brought him to this work, how his team works up sexual assault cases and, when there unfortunately remain so many such cases across the country, how his team handles this volume.

Most of all, Guy highlights how his experience in criminal trial work has given him the skills to pivot and adapt in any courtroom, to any situation. The takeaway from this conversation for young lawyers is to go get that experience!

A tenacious and compassionate advocate for victims and survivors of abuse and assault, Guy D'Andrea is a seasoned former prosecutor and now civil trial lawyer, and is fiercely dedicated to representing those who have suffered sexual and physical assaults/abuse in institutional settings.

It was a privilege having Guy join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

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, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. 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
Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers