The Jury Is Out

This episode moves from the philosophy of improv into its specific mechanics and direct parallels to the craft of trial law. Guest Ashley Rube breaks down what she actually teaches: starting with being a great teammate, then building active listening, presence, and scene mechanics from there. The principle that your job is to make your scene partner look incredible reframes how Tim Cronin thinks about direct examination: rather than ticking through an outline, the attorney's role is to set up the witness to shine. Ryan Myers draws the same parallel from his years in sales: the best client conversations happen when you stop following a script and start genuinely listening for what the other person needs. Research shows that stress narrows lateral thinking and produces tunnel vision. Improv, the guests argue, doesn't replace a lawyer's skills, it quiets the parts of the nervous system that get in the way of those skills.

With over 40 years of courtroom experience, attorney Peter Dunne is still learning by teaching. Hear some of his favorite lessons from the classroom and the courtroom.

Dissecting a $109 Million Verdict on a Business Litigation case: Attorneys Kevin Carnie and Pat McPhail join The Jury is Out to discuss how they creatively framed the case and presented punitives to set their client up for a significant win.

One of the most highly respected attorneys in Missouri, Don Schlapprizzi shares personal experiences and lessons learned through more than 350 cases.

With over 30 years experience, attorney Dan Ryan has plenty of stories. Part One begins with bar exam anecdotes and leads into literally mopping up during a trial.

How do you assess a product fire case? Follow our analysis and get some key insights as we begin to work up an intake on a tragic hospice bed fire.

Your client has a story to tell, but how they tell it may determine whether or not you win the case. Create the best possible impression by avoiding these pitfalls in your client’s deposition.