How Justice is Served, with Jed Kurzban

Potential plaintiffs often ask "How much is my case worth?"—but profit should not be the firm's #1 focus. Jed shares the alternative focus in this episode. You'll also learn the top questions you should ask your clients, plus why and how to uncover "skeletons in the closet" before they surprise you in the courtroom. 

Who is Jed Kurzban? Why did he decide to become an attorney? Who does he help, and how does he evaluate their situation? Hear answers to these questions and more, in this first episode of the How Justice Is Served podcast! 

How should you build and organize your client's case? How should you talk in the courtroom? (Hint: NOT like a lawyer.) How do you persuasively appeal to the jury? Answers to all these questions are found in this episode. BONUS: How does Jed feel about jokes about lawyers? 

"Reptilian thinking" can be your enemy or your friend. You need to understand it if you want to interact with the jury well—especially when jury members form premature opinions. Plus, learn the "5 Common Codes" (not a typo!) and their cures.

The client in a lawsuit has a story. How do you take that story and frame it as a "Case Story" that the jury will understand and sympathize with? You also must be aware of "case rules" and know how to point the jury to them when appropriate. Storytelling guidelines and rule-following advice are just a listen away! 

Without a "Deep Dive" your story will never reach its full persuasive power. And you don't just have to do the deep dive on your client, either.... Also: Learn how to reframe a case as more information comes to light. And discover why "regular people" are your secret weapon for a persuasive theme. 

What do you do if the jury just doesn't want to listen to you? How can you bring in experts and counter attacks on their professional credibility? What "legal quicksand" must you avoid? Find answers to these questions when you listen to this episode! 

What are the 10 Commandments of Damages? You'll learn a ton in this episode, from "Present Your Rule Violation" (#2) to “Show That It’s Not the Same as Winning the Lotto” (#7).

How does jury selection work? When is "deselection" the right strategy for you to use? Why do jurors trust other jurors, and how can you use this to your advantage? Plus: Learn the "10 Commandments of Jury Selection." 

Every case you prepare needs to have a "blow-up file." When it's properly put together, this file ensures that your opponent's case gets blown up and yours does not! In this episode, learn how to find the key evidence you want to shout about. 

The "Rhythm Method" (no, not THAT Rhythm Method) is a highly effective way to tell your story. And you may not want to start at the beginning.... Plus, learn the "batting order" Jed uses to organize his cases. 

Visuals and props can connect you to the jury, if you use them right. Should you opt for high-tech visuals, or low-tech foam boards? How does color impact a jury's feelings? Also: Learn how to apply the "less is more" principle to your visual exhibits. 

Remember this simple rule: "Jurors will be persuased by...." Who? Listen to find out! 

What makes for a good closing argument? What does your client expect from you as you close their case? Plus: Hear about Jed's most successful closing argument.