Absolute Power (Pt.2): Clear Messaging in the Age of the Information Maelstrom
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the onslaught of horrible headlines. Advocates need to fight, and words are our weapons. But the problem is, we are never taught how to cut through the noise and get to the heart of the argument. Part 1 (with Gary Restaino) defined the problem: Trump exerting total control over…
Absolute Power: Politization and Weaponization at the DOJ (With Gary Restaino)
Our founders wanted US attorneys to retain significant independence from the Department of Justice. If that happens, then experienced prosecutors have the credibility and moral fortitude to serve as a buffer between the unfettered power of the government and the people. But the Trump administration wants absolute power. That’s why we’re seeing a slew of…
Find the Hurt, Amplify the Pain, Heal the Wound: 3 Steps to a Bulletproof Legal Narrative
Telling your client’s true and powerful mitigation story is the most important part of sentencing. But we lawyers are never taught how to do it right. The bigger problem is, this leads to disastrous consequences on the big day because when a lawyer fails to control the narrative, someone else will tell your client’s story…
Defense Documentaries: How Defense Attorneys Use Cinematic Storytelling to Reduce Sentences (Ep. 182 of The Business of Story Podcast Featuring Doug Passon)
Continuing my goal of showcasing my own work in December, this week’s episode is all about my passion, my love, my baby; what we call DEFENSE DOCUMENTARIES. Some call them mitigation videos or sentencing videos. These are short, true, films produced for criminal cases (for plea negotion, sentencing, and post-conviction relief) and used to humanize…
Listening to Understand: What Laywers & Clients Can Learn From Improv
Watch this episode on YOUTUBE, listen on APPLE PODCASTS, or wherever you get your podcasts! I hate to admit it, but we lawyers, we’re really good talkers, but listening? Not so much. When your lawyer puts away the police report, sits with you, and says, “tell me your story, I’m all ears,” then you know you…