Lay Witness Magic: The Power of Storytelling in the Courtroom - On Demand CLE

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As any seasoned trial lawyer knows, the facts of your case can only take you so far; that’s why lay witnesses are a crucial component of any trial strategy. Calling your client’s friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to testify adds context, humanity, and credibility to your client’s story—and builds a powerful case for their damages.

Join Karen Koehler, past president of the WSAJ and trial attorney who has won hundreds of millions of dollars for her clients, in a 60-minute webinar on how to effectively use lay witnesses in trial. Find a deeper emotional connection with your jury by allowing these personal connections to answer that lynchpin question: What was the plaintiff like before the event—and how are they now?

Karen will cover:

• The pitfalls of over-preparation
• How to vet, prepare, and examine your lay witnesses on the stand
• Why a “one size fits all” approach does not work with lay witnesses
• How many good stories are enough (and why too many can actually harm your case)
• How your TBI case can benefit from specific before-and-after testimony
• The benefits of storytelling versus data pushing in trial
• When (and when not) to support lay testimony with visuals
• Why it’s better to spread your lay witnesses’ testimony throughout your case
• Demonstrations of dos and don’ts to take into your next trial

Need accreditation in another jurisdiction? Fill out this form and note Course No. 230511D00