Tom McCarthy was invited to speak at the annual meeting of the American Society of Trial Consultants in New Orleans on June 9.
In addition to being a trial lawyer, Tom is also a guitar player and songwriter. He engaged the audience of trial lawyers and consultants by describing how the tools and techniques used by songwriters to write compelling and memorable songs – including rhythm, repetition, and theme – can be used by lawyers to prepare effective opening and closing arguments. The audience learned a number of song writing techniques applicable to creating opening and closing arguments including:
- Dig beneath the obvious theme of the case to find a compelling example or imagery that sums up the theme.
- Create a hook – a memorable statement or image that represents your client’s argument – and repeat it throughout the trial.
Conference attendee, Morgan C. Smith, a San Francisco attorney and trial consultant described Tom’s presentation on his blog as “one of the best presentations I’ve seen for trial attorneys in years.”
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