Best Practices with Kenny Berger

In a Best Practices first, Kenny Berger is joined by two guests from different firms—trial lawyers Chris Finney (Finney Injury Law) and Joe Fried (Fried Goldberg). Together they dig into a simple idea: juries connect to what’s universally human - family, health, freedom, independence - and how to build your whole case around it. You’ll hear about: * How to use even limited voir dire to surface shared values and form a team * How to frame the trial as a simple choice about valuing what matters * Why authenticity and vulnerability drive credibility in the courtroom Whether you’re weeks from trial or planning a focus group, this conversation offers a practical framework: speak to what matters to all of us, build the case around it, and let the verdict follow.

This week, former Army JAG and prosecutor Sharif Gray of RVA Trial Lawyers joins Kenny Berger to show why the most persuasive directs are facilitated stories, not scripted performances and how that mindset sharpens your redirect, too. You’ll hear about: * A simple setup for direct * How to use one-page outlines and open-ended prompts that keep jurors engaged * Smart witness sequencing (credibility first, client last) to reinforce your theme * When to use redirect and when to sit down If you want to achieve direct examinations that actually help tell the story, this one’s worth a listen. Press play and take a few ideas to court next week.

In this episode of Best Practices with Kenny Berger, trial lawyer Brian Snyder of Snyder Wenner in Arizona joins Kenny to explore how a well-crafted opening statement can shape the jury’s understanding—and the outcome—of your case. Brian shares his approach to structuring an opening that frames the entire case, the importance of simplicity and credibility from the outset, and how to plant key ideas that will matter most in deliberations. From primacy to pacing, you’ll hear actionable insights on using story to shape how jurors receive evidence—and how to avoid common mistakes that can undermine your case before it truly begins.

Trial tech doesn’t have to be outsourced—or complicated. In this episode of Best Practices with Kenny Berger, trial attorney Jakob Norman shares how mastering your tech enhances your credibility, boosts flexibility, and supports visual storytelling that sticks with the jury. From choosing the right tools to creating compelling visuals, Jakob breaks down practical strategies to help you take control of the narrative in the courtroom.  In this episode: * Why trial lawyers should run their own tech * How to simplify and refine your slides * Visual strategies that resonate with jurors * Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them) * What to test before trial day * How to handle objections to demonstratives Whether you're building your next deck or prepping for trial, this episode will leave you with a clearer vision—and more confidence—in your courtroom presentation strategy.

In this episode of Best Practices with Kenny Berger, medical malpractice trial lawyer Karen Zahka shares how true collaboration with expert witnesses can make or break your case. From choosing the right expert to preparing them with case-specific materials, literature, and strategy, Karen explains why empowering experts—rather than micromanaging them—leads to stronger, more credible testimony. She also breaks down how to tailor your approach depending on the expert’s personality, professional background, and courtroom presence. Whether you’re gearing up for your next med mal trial or refining your approach to expert prep, this episode delivers real-world insight on how to elevate expert testimony through trust, preparation, and alignment.