Lord Pannick KC is without a doubt one of the greatest advocates of his generation. He has been involved in some of the most important cases in the United Kingdom, including his successful challenge of PM Boris Johnson’s attempts to avoid Parliament review of his Brexit deal, yet recently representing former PM Johnson before a parliamentary committee investigating statements he made to the House of Commons. . He is a fellow of Oxford’s All Souls College, an honor reserved for the brightest of the bright, and he is a celebrated author of many books involving advocacy. Guy Pratte discusses with Lord Pannick  the art of persuasion as practiced in courtrooms and in the House of Lords. 

 

Key Takeaways:

• [1:14] Liking the sound of your own voice is not a prerequisite for an advocate, but it certainly helps persuade listeners, as Lord Pannick explains.
• [8:12] As an advocate, Lord Pannick gives his voice on behalf of his clients; as an author, he is able to share his voice and his perspective.
• [10:04] Lord Pannick shares his views on the nature of advocacy in the United States and the United Kingdom.
• [31:11] The role of humour in the art of persuasion is best kept mild and relevant.
• [38:27] Lord Pannick offers his thoughts on virtual hearings.

 

Additional Resources:

• Guy J. Pratte
• BLG
• The Art of Persuasion Podcast

 

About Your Host:

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