Trial Lawyer Prep

AI has hit the mainstream, and not just in everyday life, but in trial law and legal prep. The days of startups and experimental software have quickly evolved to comprehensive, through and reliable AI-based programs, used by countless law firms and lawyers every day. As a result, it feels like we are racing to keep up. To jump on the bandwagon before it's too late, yet making sure you're using AI in accurate, and ethical, ways. Matthew Fornero is a South Florida business litigator, with over 20 years of courtroom experience and a long track record of representing small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups in commercial litigation, contract disputes and arbitration. But what brings him to Trial Lawyer Prep today is his insight on using AI in trial prep and the courtroom. Matthew has dedicated his time to learning different AI programs, applying them to different types of cases, and analysing the results. He is thus well-placed to detail with us specific platforms and strategies for using AI, that enhance trial outcomes. AI serves as a collaborative tool, not a replacement for human judgment. But knowing how to integrate it into your practice can pay huge dividends in time, accuracy, the effectiveness of response and rebuttal, and ultimately: better results for you and your clients. In this episode, we cover: The various aspects of AI application, including document review, jury instructions, and cross-examination AI helps lawyers distil complex cases into understandable narratives Using AI responsibly requires fact-checking and ethical considerations How to make sure you are choosing software that is conceptually proven, not just theoretical (looks good on paper) How AI can democratize access to legal resources for smaller firms. Learn more about my guest Matthew Fornaro: https://fornarolegal.com/ [email protected] Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more: www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

Running a good focus group is really a lot like conducting a good trial: Fundamentally, it's about understanding people. And you don't need a psychology degree to do so. If you have an innate understanding for human behavior, relationships, biases and different means of communication, then you already have the instinct to make the most of your focus groups. Today's episode breaks down three key steps to be organized and prepared for your next group. Armed with these tools, you can then hit the ground running and really connect with juries and clients. We cover: Setting clear goals for focus group sessions Developing a structured plan to ensure effective listening Overcoming personal biases in focus group settings Avoiding common pitfalls like overloading information and lack of organization Conducting test runs to improve the quality of focus group feedback Don't assume that you're a natural presenter; preparation is key Make sure you're listening more than speaking Seeking help if you're too biased to run a focus group Set up a free consultation today: https://www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel: 3 Steps to Get Reliable Juror Feedback [Ep 164] Additional resources: How to Do Your Own Virtual Focus Groups Part 2: Planning and Moderating Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more: www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

Heading into deposition prep, your clients are typically nervous, anxious, overwhelmed and lacking confidence. They are most likely in a situation they have never found themselves in before, and undoubtedly the stakes feel very high. But we need to get them to focus, to remember, to think and answer clearly, and to let go of their fear and uncertainty. This episodes focuses on three clear, distinct strategies that also help you remember how to get the most out of your clients at this crucial juncture. Clients will feed off of not just your confidence, but your calm demeanor and encouragement. Elevate your practice with these insights for building a strong foundation in witness preparation. We tap into some fascinating brain science to help us all understand not just what to do, but why our brains, and therefore our emotions, function the way they do. In this episode, learn how: Your working memory holds only three to five things at a time. Fear can block rational thought and memory retention. Using clear language and expectations supports and empowers clients. Roadmaps help clients understand their roles in depositions. Repetition is key to overcoming the forgetting curve. Role-playing scenarios help your client feel comfortable and confident during deposition. Links from this episode: Learn more about Hermann Ebbinghaus' Forgetting Curve (via growthengineering.co.uk) You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel: Improve Your Clients' Memory and Confidence With These 3 Techniques [Ep 163] Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more: www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

We're all busy trial lawyers and specialists, typically juggling multiple cases at once. Time management and organization is crucial, and we can't allow ourselves to get overwhelmed, to risk impacting not just the case but our own health and well-being. It's worth taking the time to make sure your tasks and workflow are efficient, your calendar flows logically, and your habits are positive and healthy. Even just a few minutes' pause for retrospection and meditation can make a huge difference. And I've been right in the thick of it lately myself! As a trial consultant, I was getting two separate trials off the ground here recently, and so was devoting a lot of time to helping those trials get their opening statements, hit lists, and order of proof ready. This week's episode was one of the most popular of 2025, and features lawyer coach Dina Cataldo. Dina talks to us about the unique challenges lawyers face in managing their time effectively, the importance of mindset in overcoming overwhelm, and practical strategies for creating healthy routines. Dina reveals methods like "Sunday planning," and setting time limits for tasks, to streamline workflow and improve efficiency. And we talk about the unique challenges female attorneys face, balancing demanding careers with personal responsibilities, and provide strategies to enhance daily productivity and instill confidence. In this episode, learn how: Lawyers need to treat themselves as humans, not robots. Implementing time management is key for anyone in the legal field. Self-awareness is at the core of managing time and reducing stress. Healthy habits, including nutrition, impact overall performance and help you get better results. Creating a structured plan can alleviate trial-related stress. You can avoid getting caught underestimating the time needed for tasks. Address internal resistance and developing a healthy relationship with time. Links from this episode: Learn more about Dina Cataldo: https://www.dinacataldo.com Get Dina's Free Workbook: 3 Sneaky Problems Stealing Your Time and Productivity (and How to Fix Them Now!) https://dinacataldo.lpages.co/3-sneaky-problems/ You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel: Trial Lawyers and Time Management: Wisdom from Dina Cataldo [Ep 162] Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more: www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect

We know we live in an attention-deficit age, where attention spans and concentration levels are lower than ever. It's not just about social media though. These trends carry forward into every day life, including in the court room. We simply can't assume that just because the jurors are there and present, that they will necessarily be paying as close attention as we expect. It's human nature to start to drift away and think about something else when you're not otherwise captured by a subject, and there is fascinating brain science that demonstrates why! So today we look at ways to maximize your impact, grab hold of the narrative, choose the most effective facts and frame your arguments in a way that keeps jurors engaged and wanting more. Even the judge will notice this approach! And will appreciate how you started with the hook. In fact, you could say that regardless of the impact of social media doom-scrolling, understanding these persuasion techniques has been a winning strategy in courtrooms, and beyond, for generations. So, get to the point, cut the small talk, lean into the hook and the best facts, and remember who you're talking to: tailor your presentation so that it resonates with a juror's brain. Set up a free consultation today: https://www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick In this episode, learn how: Mediation focus groups help assess case value and strategy. Running focus groups early can provide critical insights. Each focus group builds on the previous one for better results. Timing is key; don't wait until the last minute. Lawyers should commit to at least one focus group per case. Links from this episode: Beyond Bullet Points: Using PowerPoint to tell a compelling story that gets results, by Cliff Atkinson Mark Lanier, Lanier Trial Academy - laniertrialacademy.com You can also watch today's episode on my YouTube Channel: The Hard Truth about Persuasion and the Lawyer Brain [Ep 161] Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Have a trial or mediation coming up and want to test with a focus group? Book a free consultation call with Elizabeth to learn more: www.calendly.com/elizabethlarrick Don't miss out on the Trial Lawyer Prep Newsletter that is delivered right to your email with extra tips and 'how to' information. Join the newsletter here: www.larricklawfirm.com/connect