Best Practices with Kenny Berger

In this episode of Best Practices with Kenny Berger, Kenny sits down with Denver trial attorney Kurt Zaner for a conversation about one of the most overlooked skills in trial practice: persuasive writing. Kurt explains why every brief, motion, and filing is an opportunity to shape the story of the case long before trial begins. From understanding your audience to simplifying complex issues, he shares practical strategies for writing in a way that informs, persuades, and builds credibility wit...

In a Best Practices first, Kenny Berger is joined by two guests from different firms—trial lawyers Chris Finney (Finney Injury Law) and Joe Fried (Fried Goldberg). Together they dig into a simple idea: juries connect to what’s universally human - family, health, freedom, independence - and how to build your whole case around it. You’ll hear about: How to use even limited voir dire to surface shared values and form a teamHow to frame the trial as a simple choice about valuing what mattersWhy a...

In this episode of Best Practices with Kenny Berger, trial lawyer Brian Snyder of Snyder Wenner in Arizona joins Kenny to explore how a well-crafted opening statement can shape the jury’s understanding—and the outcome—of your case. Brian shares his approach to structuring an opening that frames the entire case, the importance of simplicity and credibility from the outset, and how to plant key ideas that will matter most in deliberations. From primacy to pacing, you’ll hear actionable insights...

In this episode of Best Practices with Kenny Berger, medical malpractice trial lawyer Karen Zahka shares how true collaboration with expert witnesses can make or break your case. From choosing the right expert to preparing them with case-specific materials, literature, and strategy, Karen explains why empowering experts—rather than micromanaging them—leads to stronger, more credible testimony. She also breaks down how to tailor your approach depending on the expert’s personality, professional...

In this episode of Best Practices with Kenny Berger, trial lawyer Joseph Wilson joins Kenny to share how he approaches one of the most powerful moments in trial: the closing argument. Joseph breaks down how voice, tone, and timing can amplify a closing—and why non-economic damages deserve the deepest preparation. From working with clients to understand what was truly taken from them, to helping jurors advocate for justice in deliberations, this episode is packed with strategies to make your c...

In this episode of Best Practices with Kenny Berger, trial lawyer Stuart Ratzan shares how smart case selection can shape not only your docket—but your impact. Stuart dives into what makes a case truly worth taking, from identifying systemic issues to using focus groups as a tool for evaluating jury resonance and refining trial strategy. You’ll learn how to: Spot cases that highlight systemic failuresUse focus groups to test liability, narrative, and damagesAvoid cases that lack clarity...

In the final episode of Season 4 of Best Practices with Kenny Berger, attorney Alan Hamilton of Shiver Hamilton Campbell dives into the strategies required to identify additional claims in catastrophic auto cases, proving that success often lies in looking beyond the obvious defendants and digging deeper into the facts. Listeners will learn how to uncover hidden avenues of liability, from vehicle defects and maintenance failures to construction zone conditions and DOT oversights. Alan highlig...