Come and listen to Robin and Dusty tell the story of a man who suffered racial discrimination and hear their strategies and exploits of trying a case in Federal Court that is so rural that the judge doesn't even hold motion hearings in the town where the Federal courthouse is located. See how they overcame their fear of trying a case in a rural, conservative area and gained insights from their experience.

Come and hear how Mart Harris and Patrick McLain overturned a federal judges ruling granting JNOV at the 5th circuit court of appeals.

In a remarkable streak of victories, Mark Hartman, a 2019 TLC graduate, secured eight consecutive not guilty verdicts, illustrating the power of connection over persuasion in the courtroom. Listen as Mark details the power of connecting as the messenger instead of forcing jurors to abandon their most deeply held beliefs in the 15 minutes he has with them.

Jeff Watson, Director of Post Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Texas Tech University's Health Science College, discusses his experience in training nurses on being present for patients including providing a good death experience. Jeff explains how the often called "soft skills" are more accurately called essential skills like compassion and empathy. "We're all just walking each other home".

Join Eli Heller, a recent TLC graduate from 2023, as he details his journey from heartbreaking loss to a recent trial victory after deepening his understanding of openness in the courtroom. Eli describes how he created genuine connections broke down barriers between him, his client, and the jurors.

Patricia Anderson, a 7 stepper graduate of TLC, details her experiences with avoiding burnout by having fun, unplugging, and keeping things simple in her off time. Patricia shares personal strategies for taking care of oneself, having fun, and avoiding burnout—all while staying authentic. From cultivating hobbies to talking to tomato plants and chicken eggs, she discusses how these practices help sustain her energy and enthusiasm. Tune in to discover how creating a nurturing home base and...

Mike Watson, first joining TLC in 2019, discusses the critical importance of building deep connections with clients in legal practice. In this episode, he emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive communication—knowing the worst and best scenarios—ensuring there are no surprises in court. Mike shares insights on the meticulous process of discovering a client's story and finding the key elements that resonate with the jury, reinforcing the idea that understanding and transparency are vital for...

Join Mike Smith, a 2019 TLC Graduate and recent addition to the faculty in 2023, as he unpacks the lessons from a recent workshop on a medical malpractice case. In this episode, Mike emphasizes the critical importance of forging connections—not just between attorneys and their clients but also between the jury and the client's story. He shares a poignant story about his client whose connection to current events was severed due to a medical issue, highlighting the human aspects that often sway...

Carlos Concepcion, a law professor in Puerto Rico, dives deep into an innovative exercise for mastering closing arguments. He discusses a compelling piece of video evidence showing an encounter between a man and a woman, which is rich with facts supporting arguments from both sides. The exercise involves pausing the video to identify which facts bolster the closing argument, offering a dynamic and interactive learning experience. Join Carlos as he explores the nuances of argumentative...

Join Ron Estefan, a dedicated TLC graduate and faculty member since 2005, as he shares valuable insights from the latest TLC events. Ron discusses the recent gatherings in Houston, and the challenges and experiences from the latest event in Las Vegas, New Mexico, including unexpected weather issues. He emphasizes the significance of TLC's home base and the vibrant working group in Houston, highlighting how these elements contribute to the growth and effectiveness of the TLC community. Dive...

In this revealing episode, Tim Semmerling, a participant at the 2010 Defense of the Damned event, discusses his latest book, 'My Enemy, My Defender.' Tim shares his extraordinary experiences at the 9/11 War Court, where he defended clients under the most challenging conditions, exploring themes of morality, betrayal, and the human side of legal battles. Join us as Tim reflects on the personal and professional journeys that shape the lives of those who operate at the front lines of high-stakes...

John Sloan, President of the Trial Lawyers College, recounts his recent victory in a Taos County trial in New Mexico, where he secured a $15 million verdict. In this episode, John shares the compelling narrative he presented to the jury that led to this significant win.   Register for a TLC event!  https://triallawyerscollege.org/trial-skills-courses#cle-credits-section   Dive into a tribe where trust isn’t just a word—it’s our foundation. In our community, you’re more than a legal...

Mike Smith, Mike Watson, and Minerva Steele join us to celebrate and share their recent $5.25 million verdict. They honed their strategy for this case at a recent Trial Lawyers College event in Tulsa, where they collaboratively workshopped the details and refined their approach.   Register for a TLC event!  https://triallawyerscollege.org/trial-skills-courses#cle-credits-section   Dive into a tribe where trust isn’t just a word—it’s our foundation. In our community, you’re more than...

Lydia Hanson, fresh from her inaugural experience at a Trial Lawyers College event, shares how the encounter profoundly transformed both her legal practice and personal life. Lydia delves into the unique aspects of the event, from sharing a room with a fellow attendee to engaging deeply in psychodrama techniques, and participating in intensive, topic-focused sessions. Join us as she explores the significant impact these experiences had on her approach to law and her understanding of herself. ...

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Austin Kaplan, a dedicated employment and civil rights attorney based in Austin, TX, and a long-time listener, first-time caller to our podcast. Austin discusses his work spanning breach of contract, overtime violations, and civil rights cases. He shares his journey of learning and gathering insights from the TLC community, emphasizing how the wisdom from the tribe enhances his practice and advocacy. Tune in to hear how Austin integrates the rich...

Join us as Hilary Hammell, a dedicated plaintiff-side employment lawyer and two-time attendee of the Trial Skills Foundation, shares her compelling journey into employment law. Starting with her early experiences working alongside laborers in Yakima, Washington, Hilary delves into the profound impact of advocating for workers' rights. She explores how helping laborers speak out against unfair employers and poor work conditions has not only changed their lives but also restored their dignity....

Michael Bristow recounts his recent journey at a Trial Lawyers College event in Tulsa, OK, illuminating the profound impact of storytelling through music and sound. He reflects on the emotional resonance and universal connection these elements foster, underscoring their ability to unite us all.   Register for a TLC event! https://triallawyerscollege.org/trial-skills-courses#cle-credits-section   Dive into a tribe where trust isn’t just a word—it’s our foundation. In our community,...

Dustin Collier, a recent participant in a Trial Skills event, shares insights from his inaugural experience at the Trial Lawyers College, contrasting it with previous Continuing Legal Education (CLE) events he’s attended. He delves into the distinctive focus on connection, storytelling, and the emphasis on humanity that sets TLC’s events and courses apart, highlighting how these elements uniquely shape the learning experience.   Register for a TLC event! ...

Brian McCallister returns to go over some of the methods he used for a recent trial victory. Brian describes, in vivid detail, his voir dire tactics as well as a video he recorded to share his client’s daily routine with jury members.

Recent TLC attendee, Kyra Blankenship, describes her experience at the most recent Trial Lawyers College event Trial Skills Foundation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kyra details what it’s like to participate in psychodrama for the first time and how big of a role discovering the story is to represent someone and tell their story.

Recent TLC graduate from the 2022, Savannah Rand, details a recent trial experience and how TLC methods helped open up the case before the trial and inside the courtroom. Savannah explains how effective and familiar vocabulary helped connect the jurors to the case and ultimately shaped their verdict.

Brian McCallister, TLC graduate from the class of 1995, details his recent solo trial case and his experience discovering the story and loving his client. Brian explains the peaks and valleys that come with trying a case solo; his first since 1999. “Even an old man can get a $1 million + verdict” - Rafe Foreman.

2011 TLC graduate and faculty member since 2019, Carson Runge, discusses burnout and frequent paranoia with opposing council after long periods of practicing law. Carson explains how fighting insurance companies and changes with courtroom procedures since COVID have made the last 4 years some of the most difficult of his life. Further, Carson elaborates on how experiences with nature, closeness with family members, and the occasional yoga session keeps him grounded and helps him fight fatigue.