Effectively using imagery, simile, and metaphor
In this In Practice podcast, I discuss how telling a compelling story can help an advocate clarify points and simplify complex topics. To be able to tell these stories, an advocate’s skills are greatly enhanced by a solid grasp of how to effectively use
In December, the Court will hear argument in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. A cake baker claims that a Colorado civil rights law, which requires him, as a merchant serving the public, to provide his product on a nondiscriminatory basis to gay people for their weddings, unconstitutionally compels
In this In Practice podcast, I talk about my first rule for being an effective lobbyist, which is to be a sponge. It might sound fairly common sense, but this rule has served me well throughout my career as an advocate. These are not just helpful for
In this In Practice podcast, I talk about the components of a trial, with a special focus on how to judge how well an attorney is performing in any given segment of the trial. Similarly, for attorneys tuning in, you could use the information in this
Credibility and Ethos in Persuasion
In this In Practice podcast, I talk about ways advocates can bolster the ethos of their arguments, that is, strengthen their credibility with the audience and the judge, as well as some pitfalls to avoid that can undermine an advocate’s credibility. In short,
Advocacy in Practice with Judge Allison Claire
I recently sat down with Judge Allison Claire, a United States Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. We discussed her advice to attorneys practicing in her courtroom and chambers, and in the Eastern District more
California is one of seven states that bans assault weapons, which are semi-automatic, military-style weapons with features that make them easy to conceal, and easy to fire multiple rounds of ammunition continuously. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is in the process of filing a series of lawsuits challenging the
Welcome to our In Brief series. In these posts and podcasts, we break down the key concepts in the day’s news and quickly explain why it matters to Californians.
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Gill v. Whitford, in which
Advocacy impacts decision makers and prompts policy change. We bring you news, practice tips, and practical examples of advocacy aimed at legislators, regulators, judges, and juries. We help you understand who exercises influence to impact law and policy and how they do it, and we provide tools and resources so you can master the art