CASE ANALYSIS: Nov 21 - TLU Live Vegas 2024 REPLAY - Winning Your Case in Opening Statement - Randi McGinn

Darryl Isaacs

TLU n Demand

Trial Skills Training

Webinar Schedule

Jessica Brylo

Trial Dynamics

I was born into a family filled with lawyers and doctors, but I was determined to be neither of the two. I had no interest in blood and gore and zero interest in filing briefs or being an attorney. Despite these “strongly held beliefs,” my father continued to tell me from the age of three that I would be an attorney. Perhaps his badgering unconsciously led me to the legal field, or maybe I won in the end as I do not practice law, but I have found a love of the courtroom and the mental challenge of reshaping cases.

Before discovering my path, I attended Duke Law School where I received my JD and a master’s in psychology. During my first semester of law school, a professor presented one day on jury selection and mentioned David Ball’s name, who conveniently was in Durham. In that moment, I found my passion and career path. I cold-called David as a young, nervous student, introduced myself, told him I wanted to do what he does, and invited him to lunch. For unknown reasons, he agreed, seemed to like me well enough, very likely paid for lunch, and offered to mentor me while I was in school. I will forever be grateful as he set me on my path of a career I love.

I was also fortunate to be taught by Professor Neil Vidmar, who owns half of the recordings of the Arizona Project from 1996 when cameras were allowed into deliberation rooms of real juries. I spent my days in class, and my afternoons at coffee shops sitting side-by-side with David Ball while he taught me the ins and outs of focus group research, case analysis, opening statement, and trial strategy. At night, I would wander onto a dark campus and, entrusted with a key to his office, sit at Neil Vidmar’s desk watching Arizona Project deliberation tapes and taking notes. The rest, they say, is history. I thrive on the challenge of altering case themes and strategy, testing cases with mock trials, and helping attorneys become stronger advocates.

I also have two young kids who love seeing my face on mock trial videos as I analyze results and who challenge me to balance my work with their young, busy, important lives.

Jessica Brylo

Breaking Through Barriers: Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts

The pursuit of multi-million dollar verdicts often appears daunting, if not unattainable. With guidance from Jessica Brylo, head of Trial Dynamics, a plaintiffs-only litigation and jury consulting firm, you will learn how to break through the barriers that are holding you back from achieving exceptional verdicts, even in the face of daunting challenges.

In this seminar, we'll delve into the art of identifying themes and case frames that resonate with today’s jurors, thereby maximizing the potential for substantial awards. Additionally, we'll examine where and how case preparation falls, hindering chances at just verdicts.

Participants will learn practical techniques for integrating themes into persuasive case framing, spanning from jury selection to the delivery of compelling opening statements. We'll address the delicate handling of "hot button" issues and explore strategies to avoid alienating jurors early in the trial process.

Effective case framing transcends mere storytelling; it rquires skillfully positioning arguments to deeply resonate with jurors. Further, we will discuss the importance of rigorous case testing, including stress-testing arguments and proactively addressing weaknesses. Attendees will gain insights into various testing methodologies, their respective strengths, weaknesses, and appropriate usage.

Finally, we'll dissect common pitfalls encountered by attorneys striving for high-dollar verdicts. Whether it's a failure to connect with jurors on a human level or overlooking the persuasive framing of the case, understanding and avoiding these pitfalls are essential steps toward achieving larger verdicts. Join us for an enlightening discussion that will empower you to navigate obstacles and achieve remarkable trial outcomes.

Jessica Brylo

Crafting the Narrative: Optimize Case Framing with a Jury Consultant

Are you seeking to enhance the persuasive power of your cases and unlock their full potential in the courtroom? Join us for a hands-on Case Framing Workshop where you can work one-on-one with jury consultant, Jessica Brylo, to develop compelling narratives that resonate with juries. While other workshops will help to hone skills, this workshop will give you personalized guidance directly on your case.

Before the session, attendees will send Mrs. Brylo case documents so that she can become familiar with the case and “hit the ground running” when the session starts. In addition, you will learn from listening to and participating in reframing of other attendees’ cases.

The workshop will offer a forum for peer feedback and discussion, allowing participants to gain insights from diverse perspectives and refine their case-framing strategies in real-time. By actively engaging with their own cases and receiving expert guidance, attendees will leave the workshop with actionable strategies and a renewed confidence in their ability to effectively advocate for their clients.