Marie Henein is one of Canada's most celebrated and best-known lawyers. She is a senior partner at Henein Hutchison LLP, a sought-after public speaker, and author of the bestselling, not-so-typical law memoir, Nothing But The Truth: A Memoir. During this conversation, host Guy Pratte questions Marie about her insightful book, the importance of words, emotions, and the audience in a case, and her take on the art of persuasion.

 

Key Takeaways:

• [2:05] The art of persuasion is part of Marie’s DNA.
• [5:51] What inspired Marie to expand beyond criminal law and how do her skills of persuasion apply to every case?
• [13:49] Marie describes the real-life human element of the law, and how cases differ from popular culture portrayals.
• [16:33] Marie shares her views on the subtleties of personal biases.
• [19:48] For advocates, Marie describes the importance of the artful use of language in persuasion and the part emotions play in a case.
• [26:43] Marie shares her view on the impact of social media and the audience outside the courtroom for an advocate.
• [29:58] How important are authenticity and style for a persuader?
• [33:56] As an advocate’s time for motions grows shorter and shorter, Marie reminds us that reaching an acquittal or conviction in record time isn’t the goal.
• [35:27] How important is the human element to a case or can “virtual justice” be achieved?
• [38:01] Marie explains why she wrote Nothing But The Truth: A Memoir and why she wanted to engage the public in this way.

 

Additional Resources:

• Guy J. Pratte
• BLG
• The Art of Persuasion Podcast 
• Nothing But The Truth: A Memoir, by Marie Henein

 

About Your Host:

Host Guy Pratte was educated at the University of Western Ontario, and later at University of Toronto, where he earned his MA in philosophy and LLB. He was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1984, and in Québec in 2002. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a former President of The Advocates’ Society.