The Trial Lawyers College Podcast

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 staying curious—and leaning on you community —can transform your trial strategy and keep your edge sharp.

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 projections guide attorneys in securing fair compensation. Discover why detailed, personalized life care plans are essential tools for advocating quality of life after catastrophic injury.

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, humility, and role-reversal to connect with jurors and honor their oath. Throughout, they celebrate the lifelong journey of practicing law, the thrill of fighting for justice, and the power of authentic human connection in the courtroom.

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 with his clients’ real-life experiences. Tune in for practical insights on choosing the right narrative, “discovering the why” behind your facts, and using silence and empathy to make your story resonate.

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 the jail staff’s negligence. By “showing them yours” and using authentic, emotion-driven advocacy, they turned a tragic loss into a powerful example of why caring truly is contagious.