Facts are
boring. Stories are riveting. Facts put jurors to sleep. Stories keep them
awake. Facts are essential to the case; stories are what make those facts
persuasive. Each case has a story to tell no matter how apparently dry or
complex the case may be.
At this
point, plaintiff lawyers usually chortle with glee. They’re all about story!
Except when the case is about eminent domain, or the intricacies of a business
contract. They then grumble that business and contract cases lack the
excitement of a story. For that matter, defense lawyers have the same complaint
when it comes to business cases and more. Too often, defense lawyers complain
that their side doesn’t have a story to tell. This is false. A lawsuit is first
about people, and it is the people side of a lawsuit that engages jurors.
A story doesn’t
have to be long. In fact, long-winded stories are almost as frustrating to
jurors as no story at all. A story encompasses your theme and gives the major
points of the case. Preferably three points. That’s really all you need.
Challenge yourself to find your case’s story and then reduce it to the
quintessential “Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl.” A
beginning, middle and end. Preferably with your client cast as the hero.
Short, sweet,
and to the point; that’s effective courtroom storytelling!
