Without a doubt, knowing your client’s case up one side and down the other and understanding and applying the law are critical to your chances of prevailing at trial. But if your demeanor and presentation style lack polish, you might be getting in your own way. Special Counsel to the New York City MTA Inspector General and NITA Program Director Shareema Abel joins May the Record Reflect to talk about courtroom composure, interpersonal conduct, oral advocacy, self-expression, and so much more.

Topics

3:05 What is courtroom demeanor?

6:12 Demeanor in challenging situations

8:57 When you know the judge or opposing counsel

12:03 Vocal expression and body language

16:49 Personal style

22:55 Conduct outside the courtroom

26:12 Online proceedings

28:39 Picking yourself up on an off day

32:44 Cross-generational learning at the office

37:45 Neurodivergence

40:16 Feedback on your courtroom demeanor

44:58 Signoff questions

Quote

“Silence is one of the things that, over the years, I really had to get comfortable with in a courtroom because I remember wanting to fill every second of space and I thought silence was deadly. But as you grow in your career, you realize that you can use silence as a tool, and so oftentimes, especially when you forget a point, it’s ok to have a pregnant pause or use silence, and then return to a podium, to your notes, to remember what you’re saying. Or using silence to make a point after you ask a rhetorical question and using silence when you’re going from topic to topic, because my theory is you should never be talking and moving at the same time.” Shareema Abel

Resources Shareema Abel (LinkedIn) NITA Women in Trial (program) Deposition Skills: NYC (program) Building Trial Skills: NYC (program) NITA Women in Trial playlist (Spotify)