
76. Storytelling for Defense Lawyers, with David Mann
From May the Record Reflect by National Institute for Trial Advocacy
March 24, 2026 · 38 min · Episode 76
About this episode
This episode discusses the challenges defense lawyers face in storytelling and how to effectively communicate empathy and technical data to jurors.
Finding the right storytelling angle can be challenge for any trial lawyer, but for those advocating on the right-hand side of the v, it’s often even more so. In representing clients jurors may not automatically find sympathetic, defense counsel must express empathy for harms the plaintiff has suffered without admitting to their liability and present technical data that is critical to their client’s defense but wearisome for fact finders to follow. Good narrative technique can help, and in ...
People in this episode
Guest: David Mann
Topics covered
- storytelling
- defense law
- trial advocacy
- empathy
- narrative technique
Keywords
- trial lawyer
- jurors
- liability
- technical data
- narrative
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