When is the last time you have given real thought to the real purpose behind our advocacy for our plaintiff clients? I don’t remember what the case was about or what the outcome, but I remember how I felt after my first trial. I thought: “Wow. I’d pay someone to let me do this and to think they pay me!” I was so proud anyone would trust me with their problems and wanted to do my best job for them….
I’ve written and lectured for many years about the essential concept of simplicity in trying lawsuits. Extensive research has demonstrated repeatedly that the message must be simple and consistent. The rule of three, that is that lists should not be longer than three points, is based upon this concept. Trial lawyers must consistently discipline themselves to making the message simple. A consistent theme with a simple message is a fundamental part of communication. A recent trial illustrates this point. On…
Franz Mesmer is the pen name of an attorney who has written about Neuro Linquistic Programing (NLP) concepts in trial and in sales. I’ve written about this before and his book with the provocative title “Unfair Secrets of Winning in the Law with NLP: a Trial Lawyer’s Manual.” ” I’d like to share with you the NLP concept of embedded commands discussed in his writings. Much of these principles are based upon the work of a psychiatrist, Milton Erickson, (1930-1980) who, among other things, developed…