From Hostage To Hero

Let’s get one thing straight: if your opening statement is just a list of “what shouldn’t have happened”, then you’re setting yourself up for FAILURE.

In this week’s episode, we’re breaking down HOW to captivate the jury’s attention from the start and teach them the right way to look at the facts — starting with the teaching section in your opening statement.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

⚖️ Why the “what not to do” approach doesn’t work and what to do instead.

⚖️ The strategy that makes the defense’s case look like an intentional mess.

⚖️ The secret to guiding jurors to see the defense’s actions for what they are — choices, not accidents.

Ready to own the courtroom from the very first word?

Ya know what to do. 😉

Xo, Sari

Quote: 

"When we tell the jury, ‘Here are the things to do,’ we can frame the defense’s actions as choices. They chose not to do this right, they chose to cut corners. But when we say, ‘Here are things to avoid,’ it feels like we’re suggesting the outcome was guaranteed unless they avoided these things. Showing the right way makes the defendant’s actions stand out even more."

— Sari de la Motte

* * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * 

THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND

Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom.

Get the training here: 

sariswears.com/jury 

Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte

Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

We create a designed alliance with our jurors—why wouldn’t we do the same with our judge?! 

In this episode, we’re diving into the art of building BENCH rapport. ⚖️

Because the last thing you need is your judge side-eyeing you and throwing objections your way just because your approach is unfamiliar. 

We need to approach them with a transparent and deferential strategy that makes them feel prioritized in their courtroom.

Tune in to learn how to make your judge your strongest ally! 💪

Xo, Sari

Mentions: 

• sariswears.com
• Christy Crowe Childers
• co-active coaching
• Malorie Peacock
• collaboration podcast 
• Michael Cowen

Quote: 

• "Judges are expected to know everything — talk about imposter syndrome. We often see them as these assholes that just do all this shit to try to fuck with us, but I believe that in most cases, judges experience imposter syndrome even more than anyone else. When they encounter something unfamiliar, it can really throw them off."

* * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * 

THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND

Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom.

Get the training here: 

sariswears.com/jury 

Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte

Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

In this episode, Kent Hammond joins us to break down how he walked away with a $2.4 MILLION VERDICT in a case that could’ve easily gone the other way.

If you’re ready to STOP hoping and START knowing how trusting the jury can lead to massive wins, even when the odds are against you — this is the episode for YOU.

Tune in and crack the code. 🧠💥

Xo, Sari

Mentions:

• There Are No Accidents by Jessie Singer

Quote: 

"I’ve always thought, and I know you preach the same thing, that juries, at the end of the day, just want to do the right thing. They’re not your enemies. Listening to them afterward, hearing how they deliberated, definitely brought that home to me." 

— Kent Hammond

* * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * 

THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND

Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom.

Get the training here: 

sariswears.com/jury 

Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte

Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

Ever feel like you're juggling ALL the things? 😩 

You know, work, home, life... while STILL feeling totally overwhelmed? 

Well, I'm diving into a book that's got everyone buzzing — Fair Play by Eve Rodsky.

This one’s for my ladies 🫶, but guys — DON’T check out. 

You need to hear this too.

Tune in NOW.

Xo, Sari

Mentions:

• Fair Play by Eve Rodsky

Quote: 

“You're not supposed to carry the entire mental load for everyone else while pretending it's no big deal. If you’re juggling 17 things, something’s gonna drop — and it shouldn’t always be you. It’s time to stop making invisible work invisible.”

* * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * 

THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND

Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom.

Get the training here: 

sariswears.com/jury 

Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte

Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

Resonant conversations with jurors — those moments where you connect deeply on an emotional level — can be a game changer. 

BUT.

Is there such a thing as too much connection?

Here’s what we’re diving into:

🗣️ WHY creating resonance with jurors isn’t just about getting them to listen — it’s about making them care and act.

🗣️ The BIG mistake many trial attorneys make when trying to create resonance, and how it might be costing you your strongest jurors.

🗣️ The RIGHT balance between logic and emotion that gives you an edge in trial — and where most attorneys go wrong.

🗣️ WHY the traditional “Can you be fair?” question might be the LEAST effective way to approach voir dire.

This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for your next trial. 

Don’t miss this, tune in now!

Xo, Sari

➡️ FREE FB GROUP FOR PLAINTIFF & CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

Quote: 

"Your job in voir dire isn’t to get them to like you—it’s to help them feel safe enough to tell the truth. When jurors feel seen and safe, they’re more willing to lean your way, even before you present a single piece of evidence."

* * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * 

THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND

Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom.

Get the training here: 

sariswears.com/jury 

Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte

Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

You’re in the middle of voir dire, talking, they’re nodding, but those blank faces tell you everything — you know they’re not really hearing you.

In this week's episode, we’re tackling exactly how to change that. We’ve got Amy Day, executive coach who knows a thing or two about getting through tough crowds.

We’ll show you how to use coaching techniques like powerful questions, active listening, and trusting your intuition to engage with jurors like never before.

Because what jurors really want is the raw, unpolished truth, NOT a performance.

So stop shying away from those unscripted moments and start owning the room.

TUNE IN NOW!

Xo, Sari

Quote: 

“So many conversations we have are surface-level and not full of authenticity. People are constantly giving us information about themselves, but we don’t clue in, we don’t listen, and then we don’t make something of it. Resonant conversations are about getting to the deeper level of who someone is and what’s important to them. When we have those conversations, we can resolve conflict quicker, create connections, and actually bring abundance because people are looking to be seen.”

— Amy Day

* * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * 

THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND

Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom.

Get the training here: 

sariswears.com/jury 

Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte

Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

I’m SO EXCITED about this week’s podcast because THE mothafuggin’ Jody Moore joined me, and if you’ve heard Jody speak, you already KNOW you’re in for something special. 

Jody is a veteran trial attorney with 20+ years in elder abuse and nursing home litigation, and she’s one of our H2H Method™ coaches. 

In this episode, we dive into some of the BIGGEST challenges trial attorneys face and HOW to approach them differently.

These aren’t JUST theories — Jody's methods have helped her team secure an 8-FIGURE VERDICT in a 4-month Zoom trial. 

Yeah, THAT’S the level she’s playing at, and she’s sharing exactly how she does it.

If you’re serious about not just surviving, but thriving in the courtroom, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Xo, Sari

Quote: 

"As trial attorneys, we often face immense pressure, but it's crucial to remember that we can choose how we show up in those moments. By shifting our mindset and embracing resilience, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success. This isn't just about winning cases; it's about becoming better advocates for our clients and ourselves."

- Jody Moore

Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte

Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

TOO MANY cases are overloaded with irrelevant facts and scattered strategies that actually give the defense MORE ammunition to use AGAINST YOU.  

It’s time to use clarity and simplicity as your secret weapon. ⚔️

Think of it like Marie Kondo-ing your legal strategy — ESSENTIALS ONLY!

Tune in and learn how to clear the clutter, simplify complex issues, and win over the jury. 

Xo, Sari

Mentions:

• Smart Brevity

Quote: 

• “Simple isn't easy. That's the biggest takeaway—simplifying something is some of the hardest work you'll ever do as a trial attorney. But it’s essential, because a shorter trial is easier on you, your family, the jurors, everyone. If it's clear, concise, and convincing, we’re doing the jury a favor. It's like, ‘Yeah, this is simple. We don’t need to be here long. It’s A, B, C, and that’s it.’ Let the defense drag it out if they want, but we’ll stay focused."

*** ENROLL IN THE H2H PLAYGROUND™ TODAY ***

JOIN THE CREW AND NEVER WORRY ABOUT WINNING AGAIN

This is the time to get in the H2H Playground™ where you can be part of the best online working group and community of civil plaintiff & criminal defense attorneys.

Get all the info & join with 40% OFF here:

https://sariswears.com/play

Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears

Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

WANNA KNOW HOW TO CUT YOUR TRIAL TIME WITHOUT SACRIFICING IMPACT? ⏳

In Part 1 of this series, Jody and I are breaking down the ONE thing you need to zero in on to cut your trial time without cutting corners.

YES — JODY IS BACK! 🤩

(For those of you who don’t know — she’s my sidekick, my ride-or-die, and QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST FUCKING PERSON on the planet, with 20+ years as a trial attorney and 4 years as a mindset coach.) 

We’ll break down HOW loving your clients, your mission, and ditching the fear-driven chaos is the secret to keeping your trial crystal clear for the jury.

We’ll introduce you to the XY Filter, a strategy designed to help you focus on the one thing that wins your case and drop everything else you waste time on that DOESN'T. FUCKING. MATTER.

Tune in, sharpen your strategy, and let the wins roll in.

Xo, Sari

Quote: 

"If we don’t tell the jury what’s important, they’ll rank and file information according to their own experiences. I want to direct that. I’m the director of the trial. I’ll tell them, 'These are the three points that matter,' and I’m going to trust that those three points will resonate because I’m the lawyer, I’m the strategist, and I know what needs to be proven."

— Jody Moore

*** WAITLIST IS OPEN FOR H2H PLAYGROUND™ ***

JOIN THE CREW AND NEVER WORRY ABOUT WINNING AGAIN

This is the time to get in the H2H Playground™ where you can be part of the best online working group and community of civil plaintiff & criminal defense attorneys.

Get all the info & join the waitlist here:

https://sariswears.com/play

Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte

Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

In today’s episode, you’ll hear me work through cases using the CTFAR Model with my dear friend and H2H Coach, Jody Moore and H2H Crew member and author, Dave Maxfield.

Listen as we reverse engineer the CTFAR Model and work it from the bottom up! 

YEP, it can be reversed and still be effective!

TUNE IN NOW! 

Xo, Sari

Quote:

• "Ladies and gentlemen, take a look at this. Actions speak louder than words, right? So ask yourself, 'They said this, but what did they actually do?' If they really believed what they were saying, what would you expect them to do? We can even take this back to voir dire—if someone claimed X, what kind of behavior would you expect from them?”

* * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * 

THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND

Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom.

Get the training here: 

sariswears.com/jury 

Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte

Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/