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Courses/Law/Trial Competence / Skills

Trials & Tribulations: Selling Openings, Winning Closings

Master the art of opening statements and closing arguments for powerful courtroom wins.

Created byNYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
5.0
(2 reviews)
BeginnerUpdated Mar 11, 2025
Trials & Tribulations: Selling Openings, Winning Closings

What You'll Learn

check_circleLearn how to craft a compelling opening statement that captures the jury's attention and establishes a persuasive narrative.
check_circleMaster the art of weaving evidence and legal arguments into a captivating story that resonates with the jury.
check_circleDevelop strategies for anticipating counter-arguments and effectively addressing potential weaknesses in your case.
check_circleUnderstand the importance of tailoring your closing argument to reinforce the themes presented in your opening statement.
check_circleDiscover how to use persuasive storytelling techniques to create a lasting impression on the jury and secure a favorable verdict.
check_circleLearn how to effectively communicate your case to the jury with confidence and charisma, ensuring your message is both persuasive and memorable.

About This Course

Welcome to "Trials & Tribulations: Selling Openings, Winning Closings," a comprehensive course designed to equip trial attorneys with the skills and strategies needed to master the art of opening and closing arguments. This course delves into the crucial role of opening statements and closing arguments in shaping jury perception and securing favorable verdicts.

  • Discover the power of crafting compelling narratives that captivate the jury's attention, weaving in persuasive storytelling to effectively communicate your client's story.
  • Explore the importance of strategic organization, ensuring your opening and closing arguments are logical and cohesive, while anticipating counter-arguments from the opposing side.
  • Learn best practices for drafting and delivering impactful opening statements that introduce your case, highlight essential elements, and establish your theory of the case.
  • Master the art of crafting persuasive closing arguments that reinforce your key points, address potential weaknesses, and leave a lasting impression on the jury.
  • Gain valuable insights into the critical role of theme and theory in shaping your arguments and guiding the jury's decision-making process.

Through engaging lectures, practical exercises, and real-world examples, this course provides the tools and techniques needed to elevate your trial advocacy skills and confidently deliver persuasive openings and closings that win cases.


Your Instructors

NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers
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star603 reviews

The NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers is the largest statewide trial bar in the US with 5,700+ lawyer and judge members. We are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the civil justice system. Our highly acclaimed CLE programming features extraordinary presenters covering the most timely and important topics.

Helene M. Weiss
Helene M. Weiss

Partner at Marsh Law Firm

Helene is a Partner at Marsh Law Firm and works to protect the rights of survivors of abuse. She is a former Special Victims Bureau Prosecutor at the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, where she prosecuted a wide range of criminal matters. She was also a member of the Animal Crimes Unit, where she prosecuted offenses perpetrated against animals. Helene earned her J.D. from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, where she was honored by the New York Bar Association for earning State Championships at the National Trial Competitions in both 2015 and 2016. As a Special Professor of Law at Hofstra University, Helene currently serves as a trial coach in Advanced Advocacy Skills for Hofstra Law's Trial Advocacy Association. She also serves on the Academy’s Associate Board.

Credit Information

What Students Are Saying

5.0
Student's Choice
2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 327+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 29 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.

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