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CASE  STORY
DEVELOPMENT

You know a strong story will give you the advantage.
But which angle on the story? And how do you put it in to clear language?

“We received a successful verdict in an extraordinarily difficult medical liability case, and I cannot adequately express to you just how valuable it was to work with you on the opening. I was able to keep a fairly complex fact pattern down to about 30 minutes using a carefully crafted analogy which, I believe, successfully took away a good part of the sympathy factor."

-David Ottenwess

Ottenwess Law

Logic alone won't do it. 

In order to win at trial, mediation, or oral argument,  your story needs to make sense on an intuitive level.

GOALS

We'll build more persuasive openings, closings, and oral arguments that are clear and simple while maintaining their factual foundation. 

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  • Save time preparing

  • Create usable written drafts

  • Translate legal jargon 

  • Activate rhetorical impact

  • Organize an engaging narrative

  • Practice using the space well

  • Activate voice and body

  • Improve practice habits 

"David and I collaborated on a motion for a stay of resolution. With David's guidance we worked through several revisions until we had a simple, intuitive shape to our story that got a favorable ruling, consequently keeping several people employed for two years and allowing the client to reopen its business and limit its damages."

- Traci Lacock

General Counsel, Wyoming Downs

STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

We can do all three of these  development stages, or we can narrow the focus to certain parts.  We’re on your timeline; all our work is customized to your needs. 

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IDEATION

FINDING THE COMPELLING STORY AND VISCERAL THEMES​

  • We’ll figure out the most persuasive angle and strategize our direction

  • Before getting mired in granular detail, we’ll assess what we want the fact finder(s) to believe about our case story when they make their final decision

  • We’ll map out the narrative possibilities, examine bad facts, and create a template from which the rest of the process emerges

  • For trials, a strategy will be developed for how much of the story will be told in opening and how much will be carried by the witnesses

  • For oral arguments, we’ll look at the narrative we need relative to key facts and find the most persuasive balance

 

 

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ORGANIZING IT INTO A NARRATIVE FLOW THAT CAN BE SPOKEN​

  • We’ll put the pieces together and create a natural storytelling presentation

  • Once we’ve got a clear direction, we’ll add the detail and make sure it’s framed as a narrative that’s easy to engage with and remember

  • Any technical or legal concepts will be translated into language anyone can understand

  • Outlines will be created that prioritize the story, streamlined for effective oral presentation 

  • Questions for witness examinations will be clarified and tested for impact

  • PowerPoint decks will be conceived, revised, and perfected - emphasizing the story rather than every piece of evidence

 

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DELIVERING THE STORY WITH AUTHENTICITY​

  • We’ll get you ready to present your case story with persuasive confidence

  • We’ll get you ready for trial or important hearings through rehearsal in the style of a performer

  • You’ll develop your ability to use vocal inflection and body language to “tell the story between the words” for increased persuasive power

  • Your notes will be revised and streamlined so you can focus on making an impact

  • Witness examinations will be rehearsed (without the witness) for maximum efficiency

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CONSOLIDATION

PRESENTATION

Talk to David about sharpening your verbal game. 

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