2019 TLC2 Grad, Jeremy D’Amico Shares his Challenging Case in Connecticut that Lead to a Family Given Justice
Written and shared by Jeremy D'Amico, TLC2 2019 September Graduate. Jeremy is a licensed trial lawyer in Connecticut and Florida practicing exclusively in the areas of plaintiff's Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, and Nursing Home Negligence. Dear Warriors, I hope this finds you well. I want to share with [...]
TLC Grad and Faculty Member, Tommy Davenport on a Recent Story Inside Angola Prison, Louisiana’s State Penitentiary
On Friday, September 6, Dateline's Lester Holt shared a story on Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentiary. He actually stayed in a cell there for a number of days. It is the largest maximum-security prison in the world. It is still a working plantation. It is surrounded by a river and [...]
Jon Hawk, TLC September ’18 Grad Wins Victory for Client in First Jury Trial After Graduating from the Trial Lawyers College
“It was the best professional decision I have made in my life and the best three weeks of growth as an attorney that I’ve had in twenty-one years of practice. I discovered I was in my ‘lawyer head’ instead of in my heart, which kept me from being the best [...]
TLC2 2017 Grad, Dominic Andriacchi Jr. Brought Justice for Client in Northern Michigan
"This trial was a TLC trial if there ever was one. I did the listening exercise, doubling, all the psychodrama methods I learned, and we were able to reenact the crash during cross-examination. I asked for over a million dollars in a conservative county in Michigan and before trial [...]
Develop and Deliver a Winning Direct Examination
TLC's Direct Examination Regional Seminar in Monterey Bay, California is January 18-20, 2019. Located on the outer edge of San Francisco and San Jose, the Seascape Resort Monterey Bay is the ideal location for a TLC regional seminar. This regional is co-led by two of TLC's long-standing faculty members, Brooks Cutter [...]
TLC Grad, Chad Newman Discovers the Story of a Sacred Relationship and Wins Fight Against Allstate
"Chad is a TLC grad and uses TLC methods in everything he does. To put a point on it, the defense counsel sent Chad a message after voir dire complimenting him on how authentic, or 'real' he was during jury selection." -Blake Erskine (TLC1'10) Chad Newman is a personal injury [...]
TLC Grad Eric Penn Receives $89.6m Justice for Client in Trucking Negligence
"I feel grateful for the opportunity to have worked on this case. I love the underdog role. It really motivates me. This was the ultimate underdog story. We represented a working class mom (Jennifer) and her three minor children who were devastated from a crash with a Werner 18-wheeler. We [...]
1996 TLC Grad & Faculty Member, K.O. Berger, Receives Lifetime Achievement Award for her Longstanding Efforts in Juvenile Advocacy
1996 TLC Graduate and Faculty Member, K.O. Berger was awarded the Julie H. McFarlane Lifetime Achievement Award for Juvenile Advocacy on April 20, 2018, in Newport, Oregon for her impressive longstanding juvenile advocacy casework. ‘K.O. has represented juveniles since 1990. No case — and no kid — scares K.O. away. [...]
Louisiana Immigrant Acquitted on Behalf of TLC Grad & Faculty Member, Tommy Davenport
About a month after Natalya's case was dismissed, her body was found as a result of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. This blog post is dedicated to the life of Natalya Deville and her family. "In December 2017, I was burned out. I planned on taking some time off during [...]
TLC Grad, Jason Savela Received Verdict of Acquittal for Young Client in Colorado
"When we believe our client is honest, we’re looking for a reason why the complaining witness would necessarily lie, misrepresent the truth, or just be wrong. Basically, we came up with a variety of possible reasons, but we couldn't nail anything down at the beginning of discovery. Although, we did [...]
Trial Lawyers College Intern Awarded Acquittal in First Case Using TLC Methods
Cheryl Carpenter was Dennis Whittie's trial skills adjunct professor at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley School of Law where she quickly became Dennis' long-standing mentor to law and specifically, the Trial Lawyers College methods. "Cheryl gave me my lowest grade in the class for my cross-examination because I came [...]
Trial Lawyers Success Stories from TLC’s Graduates
Trial lawyers can graduate from the Trial Lawyers College through its 3-week program, or by attending 7 Regional Seminars on each trial skill. Each path has different pros and cons for the individual lawyer, but either way, graduates emerge as better advocates for their clients, better human beings, and better [...]
TLC’s Condemnation Statement
The Trial Lawyers College condemns the policy of The Trump Administration in the criminal arrest of adults at our borders who are seeking political asylum, resulting in the automatic and forced separation from their minor children. We also condemn the automatic and forced separation of children from their parents who [...]
Greg Westfall, TLC’s Criminal Defense Seminar Co-Leader, Expands on Course Structure and Take-Aways
"This year, I'd love to see some personal growth in the ability to look at another persons' circumstances. If you have a particular attitude about race, can you make room for the possibility that someone else has a different attitude and allow yourself to actually listen to it? Having empathy [...]
Chris Trundy and Leigh Johnson on Directing Skills at TLC’s Psychodrama for Lawyers
TLC's Psychodrama for Lawyers 1-Week Program is less than one month away, June 5-11, 2018, and is located at Thunderhead Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming. Faculty members Chris Trundy and Leigh Johnson are Co-Leading this course and they provided some insight into their preparation, organization, and importance of the program. The [...]
New York Attorney Paul Barr, Wins Victory for Client after Attending First TLC Regional
"A big takeaway for me after my first Trial Lawyers College Seminar was how I learned to create a 'tribe' with the jury, with me as their leader. The faculty used this terminology – 'Make the jury part of your tribe', because we're all part of the same tribe; the [...]
TLC’s Texas Regional Co-Leaders on ‘Discovering the Story’
Paula and Ron Estefan, and TLC President John Sloan are the faculty co-leaders at the upcoming Trial Lawyers College Regional Seminar in Hunt, Texas focusing on Discovering the Story. April 12-15, 2018. Interested in registering? You can use this link to register now. Ron and Paula Estefan, from Houston, TX [...]
TLC-Trained Attorney in Atlanta, GA Brings Justice to Client: $26 Million Verdict
"Since embracing TLC methods over the past few years, my last five jury trials have resulted in seven-figure verdicts. I know a lot of my success is from TLC; I have learned to be a better listener which leads to being a better storyteller. It’s all about the details. You [...]
From an Initial Offer of $60,000 to a Final $250,000 Settlement After Graduating Trial Lawyers College 3-Week Course
“I’m reminded of a quote I heard years ago, ‘New York is the city that never sleeps’ but truthfully, it’s the city that is never awake, they’re like zombies; they need to de-familiarize themselves from their surroundings and routines to wake up. Going to the 3-Week TLC Course gives [...]
Influential Tools Students Learn from the Faculty and Psychodramatists at TLC
"I wasn’t focused on trying to be perfect and that’s the influential thing students learn from the faculty and psychodramatists at the Trial Lawyer’s College. When I am in front of a jury, I'm no longer worried about screwing up, being awkward, or mispronouncing someone's name. I'm focused on being [...]
TLC Faculty Bill Gilbert, Accused of Violating ‘Golden Rule’, Scored Victory for Clients
“Despite the defense teams' best efforts to get me to focus on their story-line by refuting their facts and ultimately calling for a mis-trial because I used TLC methods, I maintained my credibility and told my clients’ story at every phase of the trial. And my client was awarded a [...]
Criminal Defense lawyers Blanchard & Savela use TLC methods to win freedom for their client
Keeley Blanchard, Michigan Trial Lawyer and TLC Faculty member, and Jason Savela, Colorado Trial Lawyer, on TLC's Winning Methods that helped win Freedom For Their Client! You two just had an amazing win! Jason, can you tell me about the case? Sure. Back in January of 2015 there was a [...]
Project A.W.A.R.E: San Diego Public Defender and TLC faculty member Zaki Zehawi collaborates with ex-Gang Member Reggie Washington to Help Keep Kids Out of Prison
While serving a life sentence, Reggie Washington developed a program to help prisoners. He is now free, and with some help from TLC Faculty member and Public Defender Zaki Zehawi, they are bringing his program to kids on the streets of San Diego. Interview conducted by TLC Warrior Editor and [...]
Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorney and TLC Grad Bell Island on Connecting with his Jury – and His Client Was Vindicated!
Congrats on your win, Bell! Can you tell us a little bit about your client? My client was accused of inappropriately touching 4 young girls. The first time I met him, he was in jail and hadn't been able to make bond yet. Once we got him out, we were [...]
Criminal Defense Lawyer Milton Grimes on the Truth and TLC
You have accomplished so much and you have so much respect across the nation as a lawyer. What is it that you do that has made you so successful? I started out with the fear that if I was ever caught lying I would lose all respect and integrity [...]
Indiana Trial Lawyer Fred Shultz Wins a Slip and Fall
So you won this case for you client -- great! Can you give use the background of the case? We did, yes! The case was Marsha Jones vs. AMC Theaters. It was a straight forward situation. My client, Marsha, and a friend walked into a movie theater to see a [...]
Recent Grad, Joe Jones, WON a Difficult “He Said-She Said” Case!
You won! Congratulations! Would you mind giving me some background on the case? Sure. There are a few players in this case. There is the grandmother who is the legal guardian of her 11 year old granddaughter and the granddaughter has a friend who's the same age. The two [...]
Illinois Criminal Defense Lawyer Maureen Williams on TLC and How It Has Helped Mold Her Practice – and Her Successful Verdict.
Originally sentenced to 30 years for a crime he never committed, Maureen finally got him freed! Read the full story to learn about what it took to get the verdict.
Baton Rouge’s Christopher Suba on Corporate Greed – Turning Complex Construction Litigation into a Human Story.
When a local construction company and its owner contracted to perform a construction contract for a national outfit and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, his agreement to perform evolved beyond the original scope of work - and even into the "request" that he finance the additional services, all based upon the supposed promise that he would be fairly paid and reimbursed upon completion of the now much larger project. Once the small business owner had performed, the larger corporation overseeing this federal job took THEIR large profit and left the small business owner/subcontractor "holding the bag." Baton Rouge, LA TLC Grad Christopher Suba (Class of 2013) convinced a federal jury that was wrong. Credibility was the key in this betrayal story presented within a "dry" breach of contract case...
Jessica Jackson-Barrows on racial bias during Voir Dire
TLC grad Jessica Jackson-Barrows loves criminal defense and the world is a better place for it. Her TLC-inspired voir dire led to a not-guilty verdict and checked a few biases at the door.
Joe Fried, Trucking Lawyer and GA Faculty on the Power of a TLC Direct
The Trial Lawyers College changed the way Atlanta Trial Laywer Joe Fried practices law. He became a better human being in the process.
If you can’t introduce your jury to the villain, be the villain.
With no villain to show in court, TLC Grad David Thorn, became the villain and brought clarity to the jury for the win!
Dan Kramer WON real JUSTICE in a slip and fall
TLC grad, Dan Kramer (Sept '15), used what he learned at TLC to get real justice for his clients in a slip-and-fall case. Once the conversation with his jury started, "everything else just fell into place."
Criminal Defense Lawyer Milton Grimes on the Truth and TLC
When Milton Grimes Came to TLC and Found His Power in the Truth, Everything Changed.
Because giving birth in shackles isn’t terrifying enough.
The mistreatment of this prisoner during her birthing process is enough to make you physically ill. Opening Statement Seminar Faculty member Joy Bertrand won her justice.
Proudly Announcing the Direct Examination Faculty
Betsy Greene Faculty Co-Leader, Nelson Tyrone Faculty Co-Leader, Joe Fried Faculty Co-Leader, Zaki Ali, Jerry Bosch, Jeff Chapdelaine, Rafe Foreman, Don Malarcik, Corinne Mullen, Frank Mungo, Marj Russell, Eddie Schmidt, Debbie Taussig, Render Freeman F Warrior Ambassdor, Josh Schiffer F Warrior Ambassador, Don Clarkson Psychodramatist, Louise Lipman Psychodramatist, John Rasberry Psychodramatist, Mike Traynor Psychodramatist
Even if it kills me, I want to tell my story.
After more than 6 years of legal conflict, cancer, and the death of a partner, TLC graduate Kristopher Ahn's client finally got his day in court. And there, Kris obtained a verdict for his client in excess of $8 million dollars.
Finding the Human Connection in a Business Contract
David Humphreys and Luke Wallace are on the faculty at the Trial Lawyers College and are trial lawyers who specialize in consumer law at Humphreys, Wallace, Humphreys in Tulsa, OK. They have an incredible record of multi-million dollar verdicts, while bringing important justice to their clients. Every day, David and Luke apply what they teach at the Trial Lawyers College in preparing their clients cases. The goal is to find, and then present, the human element of the case that the jury can connect to. Since their graduation from law school, it was clear to David and Luke that law school never trained them to listen to their clients and develop a case in this way. There was no class that showed them how to look for the message that will resonate with a jury. In their search for a better way, David discovered the Trial Lawyers College. He had been trying cases at the time, but it wasn't going great and they didn't turn out right. What he learned at TLC, back in 1994, was life changing. At Davids urging, Luke attended the College as well and today they use the TLC methods in every case, at every opportunity, and with every jury. I was able to sit down with David and Luke to talk with them about what has made them so successful over the years.
Would you kill a man who attacked your wife?
Accused of murder... Self defense? Harris County, TX Public Defender and TLC Faculty member Eric Davis fought for his client and won his freedom. The Jury freed his client IN LESS THAN 40 MINUTES.
A bruise turned into life altering pain and a life changing verdict.
An active young woman's body was permanently disfigured and her life was irreparably changed. Luckily, TLC graduate Michael Carter (Class of Sept '14) specializes in understanding her rare disorder and was able to use the TLC methods to get a record breaking verdict.
False accusations, back braces and pizza. That’s a story.
TLC graduates Blake Lynch (Sept '15) and Brecken Wagner (July '16) had to tiptoe around false accusations, mental and physical handicaps, and poor detective work in order to win justice for their client.
A bad influence, a racist HOA member, and a corrupt system could have changed the entire course of this young man’s life.
Congratulations on your win, Jim. Can you tell us about the case? The case involves a 15 year old Hispanic boy. I received a call from his mother telling me her son was charged with a felony of deadly conduct, that he didnt do it, that a surveillance video proves it and that his court-appointed attorney was not helping him.
Ceola McDonald’s entire life was changed after attending the Trial Lawyers College. Now she changes the world, one child at a time.
Ceola McDonald's entire life was changed after attending the Trial Lawyers College. Now she changes the world, one child at a time. What a story you have to tell, Ceola.
A spider bite, inexperience, and a lying doctor all led to death. Is the meth a problem?
This case is about a 45-year old man named Cosme, living in Blythe, a small town in California near the Arizona border. Cosme developed an infection in his left arm that he thought was from a spider bite.
A negligent cop, a DUI suspect, a 27 year old driving home from work, and a StopStick — they all came together one fateful night.
A negligent cop, a DUI suspect, a 27 year old driving home from work, and a StopStick -- they all came together one fateful night. Three years later, 2007 TLC graduate Lyle Gregory, won justice and a
When an angry 12-year old child made rape accusations against her mother’s boyfriend, she started a multi-year spiral of pain, drama and suffering.
When an angry 12-year old child made rape accusations against her mother's boyfriend, she started a multi-year spiral of pain, drama and suffering. Before he discovered the true story, Haytham refused
When the Jury is Emotionally Involved, They’ll Help
When the Jury is Emotionally Involved, They'll Help McDonald's offered $2000 to TLC grad Scott Callahan's 15-year-old client, who they called "that boy". The jury saw it differently and awarded 100
Bobby, it’s not the money. I don’t care about the money. We can’t let this happen to anybody else. – You get that client once in a great while. What a wonderful human being to represent.
TLC Sept '13 grad, Bobby DiCello, obtained a $22 million jury verdict for his client, Arnold, who was brutally beaten by an East Cleveland police detective, locked in a storage closet with no toilet
Where Psychodrama is the Key to Everything.
After years of immersing himself in the lives and emotions of his client, the verdict came in. And it came in HUGE.
The Life Changing Impact of TLC’s Psychodrama Workshop – An Interview with TLC Student, Brian O’Neill
When did you first come to the Trial Lawyers College?My first ever TLC course was last year's Psychodrama for Lawyers seminar in June. I'm in practice with my uncle, Dan O'Neill -- just the two of
An Interview with Adam Balach & Debbie Taussig
May 16, 2016 With the help of local working groups and TLC methods this team found magic with each other. They changed their client's life. - An Interview with Adam Balach & Debbie TaussigAdam: Our
Grad 1 student Tom Johnston (Sept ’12) wins BIG justice for his client against city of Los Angeles!
Last week, a jury in Long Beach, CA reached a unanimous verdict against the City of Los Angeles for a dangerous condition of an intersection that killed Tom Guilmette, a 58 year old rocket scientist
TLC grad (Sept ’13) and Nevada Trial Lawyer Ben Cloward wins big for his client…
TLC Grad, Benjamin Cloward (Sept '13) recently won an important case for the required care of society's most needy -- our mentally and physically impaired. After telling his client's story in the
TLC grad Kathryn Veech (July ’15) discovered SIX new witnesses to help her win justice for her client.
An Interview with Kathryn on how she used the methods of Discovering the Story to better prepare her case to change lives -- one client at a time. (Methods you can learn at the upcoming Texas
Discovering the Story Saved My Clients Life – An Interview with Colby Vokey, one of the Faculty Co-Leaders at the Upcoming Texas Regional Seminar on Discovering the Story and Opening Statement
Can you tell me about a time that doing things the TLC way changed the entire outcome of your case?The one that sticks out in my mind is a murder case where a Marine Lieutenant was charged with
When you’re terrified of the judge – Be Real. Be Decent. Be Honest. Get a fair trial. The mirror is always at work.
Get the tools you need at the Texas Regional Seminar on Discovering the Story and Opening Statement http://goo.gl/8lCZTK
The facts just weren’t sitting right with July ’11 TLC Grad, Keeley Heath.
Then she found her story. Join us in Texas on April 14-17 to learn to find the real story of your cases.Michigan Trial Lawyer, Keeley Heath (now Keeley Blanchard) (TLC-1 2011), recently obtained a
Aha moments and throwing away legal pads.
It only gets better. An Interview with Paula Estefan, Texas Regional Seminar Faculty Co-Leader: Discovering the Story and Opening StatementHave you had a case where discovering the story changed the
TOUCHING THE HEART OF YOUR JURY AND INSPIRING THEM TO ACT
March 4, 2016 An Interview with Ron Estefan, Texas Regional Faculty Co Leader on: Discovering the Story and Opening Statement (coming up on April 14-17!)Ron, great to learn that you will be
CAPTIVATING JURIES, GAINING A NATIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM AND NOT BEING PHONY
February 24, 2016 An Interview with John Zelbst, TLC Faculty Co-Leader: Discovering the Story and Opening Statement: Texas RegionalJohn, it's so great that you will be joining TLC's President John
UnderDog Win Possible Through Discovering the Story: Charlie Donahue, 2012 TLC Grad, discovered the real story behind a run-of-the-mill case, and came up with $200,000! That’s some justice!
Charlie, Congratulations! This is really an incredible victory for your client! Can you describe that case for me?It was a rear-end, soft tissue, under-insured motorist case. The person who hit my
To Win the Trial, You Must Win the Trust of the Jury. An Interview with Paco Duarte, WA Regional Faculty Co Leader Voir Dire Seminar at Sleeping Lady
So glad to know that you will be co-leading this upcoming Seminar on Voir Dire! Thank you for that. As students consider whether to attend or not, thank you for sharing your thoughts about TLC's
The Power of Conversation During Voir Dire An Interview with Connie Henderson, Voir Dire Seminar: WA Regional Faculty Co Leader
Is there a particular case you think of when you think of a really effective Voir Dire?I think it would probably be the voir dire I did in my first medical malpractice case. The defendant was a doctor
My belief that the Jury that will always save you… An Interview with Steve Fury, 2006 Grad and Voir Dire: WA Regional Faculty Co Leader
What is an experience that you've had where the voir dire really stood out to you?I had a trial about two, maybe three weeks after going to the college in 2006. I was doing my best trying to be myself
Story-telling That Saves Lives: TLC grads Jake Watson and Brian White save their client from the death penalty
Details of the case: Our client was charged with capital murder for being involved, aiding and abetting, and being an accomplice in a robbery of 'Krystal'. The shooter was 19 at the time. Our client
Closing Argument Seminar Faculty Focus: GA Regional Faculty Co-Leader, Nancy Iler (’03 TLC grad), discusses personal growth and the art of the Closing Argument.
What is it that makes the closing argument such an important part of the trial?From the moment you meet the client you always envision yourself standing before a jury giving that closing argument. It
How CA Faculty member, Mike Marrinan (’04 TLC grad), won a case against out-of-control cops.
Mike, Congrats on that win! Can you describe how the TLC methods helped you win this case for your client? Sure -- the first part of this case, and any case really, is using the TLC methods to
Joe Fried, 2002 TLC Grad, discusses the power of support and learning to trust.
How did you hear about the College?Initially I heard about the college when it first started. I was just starting as a lawyer back then so it was sort of a happenstance thing. I knew somebody who went
JR Clary, Faculty Co-Leader at the upcoming February 2016 Georgia Regional Seminar on Closing Argument, discusses the value of TLC methods in his practice
What first brought you to TLC? I first came to TLC as a student in 2002. I had applied that year at the instigation of Eddie Schmidt, who was a 1998 alum. He stayed on me every year after '98,
Georgia Regional Faculty Focus: Nelson Tyrone, 2000 TLC Grad
Nelson, how did you first get involved with Trial Lawyers College?I went through the school in 2000 and have been on staff since 2001. It has been continuous, it has been unbroken. I have been going
At 70, he decided it was time to change the system [Bill Trine Video]
You are making a difference. Be a torch passer. Change the destiny. The results are eternal. Bill Trine discusses restoring our criminal justice system"You're making a difference just by being a trial
CA 2016 Regional Seminar: Cross Examination Faculty Focus – Anne Valentine,1998 TLC Grad, Knows How to Tell a Story.
How has TLC changed the way you prepare for a cross examination?The TLC method doesn't discount the amount of preparation required for a case. If I am representing a client with a medical negligence
Ken Turek, CA Regional Faculty Co- Leader on Cross Examination as a Way to Connect
TLC teaches students to be in tune with the judge, the jury and the witness - can you elaborate on that?Students often think that cross examination is primarily the art of destruction. The problem is
Mitch Guthrie, Wyoming Public Defender and 2011 TLC Grad, discusses powerful changes and powerful smiles
How did you hear about TLC?I went to a training session in Colorado and Josh Karton was there. I watched him transform the most awkward looking person in the room. He did not go after the people who
Cheryl Carpenter, 2000 TLC Grad, on the value of learning TLC’s methods for a more effective Direct Exam
Cheryl, you are going to be a Faculty Co-Leader at the upcoming TLC Regional Seminar in Chicago in October. What do you think is the most valuable learning tool from the Direct Examination Seminar in
Betsy Greene, “Direct Examination” Faculty Co-Leader & ’05 TLC Grad
Betsy Greene attended her first TLC class in 2004 at the urging of her former boss. After that program, she returned home, quit her miserable job of 16 years the following Monday, and has had her
Business Deals, Smugglers, and Government Conspiracies: Haytham Faraj Earns the Trust of the Jury and the Acquittal
When two young Arab-American men Adeeb Sobh and Ayman Wazne thought they were putting together an business deal to export some equipment from the United States to South Sudan through Dubai that would
The Genesis of Increasing Incidents of Police Brutality: The War on Drugs
Originally published June 3 2015 By Bill Trine in the Prison Legal NewsWhat is the cause of the spiraling increase in police assaults on people whom they should help to protect --- not brutalize or
Congratulations to the New F Warrior Alumni President-In-Waiting Mike O’Connell (July’11)
Congratulations to Mike O'Connell (TLC-I '11) from Evergreen, CO who was recently elected to become Alumni Club President in August 2017 (shown with current TLC President Debbie Taussig, Executive
TLC Faculty Highlight of Emily Detoto Hazelwood
Emily Detoto Hazelwood and Patrick DiBenedetto at the Thunderhead Ranch.Keep Your Tools Sharp and The Passion Fired Up at a TLC Grad ProgramEmily Detoto (now Hazelwood!) has attended a TLC graduate