The Trial Lawyers College Podcast

Seattle lawyer, Evan Oshan, joins Rafe Foreman to explore his groundbreaking negligence suit against the City of Seattle over the CHOP Zone—where two Black youths were shot, one fatally, amid an "off-limits" protest precinct. Learn how municipal leaders' decision to abandon public safety unleashed chaos, spoliated evidence, and left victims without help, and why Oshan refuses to let this miscarria...

What if an outside perspective could help unlock the story of your case? In this episode, trial consultant Elizabeth Larrick joins Rafe Foreman to explore how targeted focus groups, smart vocabulary lists, and role-reversal exercises help you fine-tune your themes, spot blind spots, and connect with jurors. Whether you're prepping for depositions, voir dire, or opening statements, learn why stayin...

Join Rafe Foreman as he welcomes life care planning specialist Lindsey Ford to explore how physician-authored life care plans forecast and quantify the future medical and support needs of injured individuals. Lindsey explains the methodology behind assessing long-term care—from rehabilitative therapies and mental health support to household services and loss of earning capacity—and how these proje...

Rafe Foreman sits down with master storyteller, John Charles Hardin, to reflect on decades of trial work, the enduring bond forged through shared experiences, and the transformative impact of Trial Lawyers College. They discuss how genuine storytelling—grounded in truth and empathy—shapes every aspect of jury work, from voir dire to closing arguments. John emphasizes the importance of listening, h...

Brecken Wagner—TLC '16 and new faculty member—joins Ray Foreman to announce the extended June 23 deadline for the flagship three-week college and discuss Oklahoma's surprising shift back toward felony DUI statutes. As a criminal defense attorney, Brecken shares how he's navigating legislative changes, preparing for upcoming trials, and harnessing TLC's storytelling techniques to connect jurors wit...

Sean Dormer, Tim Garvey, and Amy Rogers discuss how Trial Lawyers College techniques helped them secure a $4 million verdict in a wrongful-death case where a young man died by suicide in jail after his pleas for help were ignored. They explain how psychodrama and empathy exercises guided their opening statements, jury selection, and scene-setting to connect the jury with Jackson's story and reveal...

Adam Oakey, owner of the Law Office of Adam Oakey in Albuquerque, NM, discusses his TLC journey—from Trial Skills Foundation to "Courage to Ask"—and why he's applied for the flagship three-week college. He explains how psychodrama transformed his approach to client connection, personal growth, and scene-setting: techniques he's gearing up to use in a self-defense road-rage trial where his 20-year-...

Suzie Mindlin, a 2002 TLC graduate from California, highlights the power of working on your own cases alongside peers at the three-week college and in local working groups—vibrant hubs that have flourished into engines for justice across the U.S. She welcomes lawyers new to TLC training, emphasizing how these collaborative forums foster rapid skill development and mutual support. Suzie also dives...

Render C. Freeman—2015 TLC graduate and faculty member since 2018—reflects on his fourth "Courage to Ask" program, where a psychodrama exercise helped participants uncover how personal biases and family history influence the dollar values they assign to cases. He explains why "emotion is the currency of the courtroom" and how psychodramatic tools heighten lawyers' emotional competence—from deposit...

Colby Vokey previews the upcoming three‑week flagship program at Camp Dawson, WV (Oct. 4–27; apply by May 6), and explains why it's a game changer for trial lawyers. Learn how the intensive psychodrama kickoff and the "discovering the story" method sharpen listening, cross‑examination, and narrative skills—transforming both your practice and your personal confidence. Join Colby for insights on why...

Amanda Harber—a 2017 Trial Lawyers College graduate, F Warrior board president, and former public defender—previews the "In Defense of the Damned" seminar (June 9–13 at IU Maurer Law). She walks us through the week's psychodrama kickoff, powerful listening exercises that deepen attorney–client trust, and a master-class on cross-examination featuring exonerees like Darryl Burton. Amanda also highli...

Stephen Demik, a 2008 TLC graduate and co‑lead for the upcoming Indigent Representation online course, unveils the agenda and shines a spotlight on the often‑underrated art of direct examination—likening its neglect to working with only half your muscles. With just 20 seats available, participants will receive intensely detailed, hands‑on training in real time. Don't miss this opportunity to refin...

Eric Davis, co-lead for Defense of the Damned at Indiana University - Maurer School of Law and a board member of the Trial Lawyers College, sheds light on the challenges of practicing criminal defense in death penalty cases. Eric explains how the upcoming course focuses on the art of cross-examination and how TLC offers a rare space for transparency and fellowship among defense lawyers who often w...

Ron Estefan, a member of the Trial Lawyers College Board of Directors, along with Paula Estefan, introduces the upcoming 3-Week College program set for October at Camp Dawson, West Virginia. This immersive training retreat offers individual rooms, individual bathrooms, and provided meals. They discuss the importance of this intensive program for enhancing trial skills, personal practice, relations...

Marines Jessica McLaughlin and Brett Dunn gear up for an upcoming trial while attending the week-long Trial Skills Foundation Course at Mo Ranch. In this episode, they compare and contrast the nuances of civilian and military court trials, discussing the strategic importance of understanding witnesses' mindsets through TLC techniques. Jessica and Brett emphasize the need to balance rigorous trial...

Scott McCann, a first-time student at the Trial Skills Foundation with TLC, describes his first experience with psychodrama as a protagonist. In this episode, Scott discusses how the process of role reversal and exploring diverse perspectives enriches his understanding of jury dynamics. He delves into how facts, experiences, and varied viewpoints shape juror perceptions and influence their interpr...

Allison Mahoney, a first-time attendee at the Trial Skills Foundation Course at Mo Ranch, shares her initial impressions of the Trial Lawyers College and her experiences with psychodrama. In this episode, Allison discusses the rapid pace of the course that uniquely facilitates vulnerability and trust among participants, crucial for deep connections. She also delves into the importance of truly con...

Patrick McLain, a 2012 TLC graduate, shares his journey through a challenging three-year-long sexual assault case that recently ended in dismissal. In this episode, Patrick recounts specific instances where employing TLC tactics in court led to both setbacks and successes. He provides a candid look at what it means to be on your feet, advocating fiercely in the courtroom, and the lessons learned f...

Ron Estefan, Vice President of the Trial Lawyers College Board of Directors and a 2005 TLC graduate, shares insights from his recent victory in a premises negligence case. This episode dives into how Ron applied TLC methods to navigate lacking conditions and restrictive courtroom environments effectively. Emphasizing a proactive approach, Ron discusses the strategy of "Don't ask, just do," waiting...

Maren Chaloupka, the current TLC president, and John Sloan, her predecessor, delve into the nuanced TLC approach to advocating for fair compensation in legal settlements and verdicts taught at The Courage to Ask TLC event. They explore the critical process of determining an appropriate sum for clients and discuss the complexities involved in assigning monetary value to invaluable losses. This epis...

Eric Ganci, TLC staff member since 2018, discusses a unique blend of techniques he uses to enhance focus and grounding. In a memorable cross examination session, Eric had a student reverse roles with a client, immersing them fully in the courtroom scenario. Listen as Eric details his experience with working and practicing skills through TLC methods.

Patricia Anderson provides a comprehensive overview of the Trial Lawyers College's 7-step program, an alternative pathway to graduation. This episode delves into the specifics of the program, outlining the importance and objectives of each step. Patricia explains how these steps are designed to enhance the skills of trial lawyers through personal growth and skill development, ensuring they are wel...

Learn how Ross LeBlanc, a civil plaintiff attorney and four-time regional TLC attendee, used his trial skills to secure justice in a devastating DWI case involving the loss of a six-year-old child after Thanksgiving 2022. This episode delves into how Ross prepared for the trial alongside the grieving parents, employing the powerful techniques and strategies he honed through his TLC training. Tune...

Ron and Rafe revisit their enriching experiences at Mo Ranch during the TSF course, where they collaborated on cases and refined their trial skills. In this episode, they delve into the highlights of their time together, emphasizing the fantastic opportunities for growth and learning. They also explore the concept of psychodrama, discussing how it enhances the practice of law by demonstrating the...

Join our host, Mark Wagner, as he interviews Rafe Foreman, who shares a moving story from a recent mediation. Rafe recounts how a heartfelt song about grace and forgiveness, sung by his clients, profoundly impacted both him and the opposing counsel. The defendants were so touched that they insisted on joining and listening to the song again, leading to a rare and emotional moment of unity. Tune in...