OWN THE ROOM: Smart Openings and Closings (2025)
Program Summary: This compelling new CLE program brings together a powerhouse lineup of seasoned criminal defense trial lawyers, each offering a masterclass on one of the most critical—and difficult—elements of trial practice: opening statements and closing arguments.
Across these dynamic speeches, you'll learn how to develop compelling case theories, prime the jury from the very first words of your opening, and close in a way that seizes credibility and demands a “not guilty” verdict. You'll see how to structure arguments using logic, emotion, and clarity; how to anchor your story in key facts that will resonate throughout trial; and how to start your trial planning from the end—a theme emphasized by multiple speakers. Whether you're crafting a minimalist opening to avoid overpromising, or building a vivid, detail-rich closing that takes jurors back through the evidence in your voice, these lessons are rich in practical insight.
Practical Benefits for Criminal Defense Lawyers:
- Learn to "begin with the end in mind": Discover how to reverse-engineer your trial strategy from your ideal closing argument so every phase of your case builds toward that final message.
- Master theme and theory development: Get tips on identifying winning themes and weaving them into voir dire, opening, and summation.
- Communicate with credibility and clarity: Learn how to handle damaging facts without undermining your case—and how to enhance your ethos before the jury.
- Structure persuasive, memorable arguments: From using rule-of-three structures to applying Aristotle’s ethos/pathos/logos model, you’ll leave with tools that elevate your trial storytelling.
- Handle specific case types with precision: Learn tailored techniques for drug cases, DWI cases, and emotionally charged prosecutions, including examples of effective phrasing, visuals, and counterarguments.
- See theory in action: These speeches are packed with memorable courtroom demonstrations and real trial anecdotes—including how one lawyer used a Bugs Bunny toy to win over jurors on a possession case.
Whether you’re a new trial lawyer or a veteran looking to sharpen your edge, this program delivers courtroom-ready tactics that will instantly improve how you frame, argue, and win your cases.
CLE Credit: Up to 7 hours of self-study CLE credit, where authorized. Please confirm with your state's CLE commission to ensure this program is available for self-study CLE certification.
Presentations Included:
- Opening Statements: Convincing the Jury to Walk Your Client from the Beginning | Lonnie Randolph
- Using Authenticity to Craft Effective Opening Statements | Juanita Kimble
- The Invincibility of Detail: Storytelling, Educating, and Seizing Credibility—An Opening Statement DEMO | Bob Pepin
- Effectively Communicating Your Case in Closing Arguments | Alice Fontier
- Closing Arguments in Drug Cases | Steven Epstein
- Objections with Out-of-Bounds Prosecutors and Selling the Burden of Proof in Closing | Carmen Roe
- Closing to Win—The Keys to Delivering a Powerful Summation in DWI Cases | Jonathan Cohn
Prices
- List Price $119.00
- Member Price $99.00