Sean Dormer, Tim Garvey, and Amy Rogers discuss how Trial Lawyers College techniques helped them secure a $4 million verdict in a wrongful-death case where a young man died by suicide in jail after his pleas for help were ignored. They explain how psychodrama and empathy exercises guided their opening statements, jury selection, and scene-setting to connect the jury with Jackson’s story and reveal the jail staff’s negligence. By “showing them yours” and using authentic, emotion-driven advocacy, they turned a tragic loss into a powerful example of why caring truly is contagious.

Adam Oakey, owner of the Law Office of Adam Oakey in Albuquerque, NM, discusses his TLC journey—from Trial Skills Foundation to “Courage to Ask”—and why he’s applied for the flagship three-week college. He explains how psychodrama transformed his approach to client connection, personal growth, and scene-setting: techniques he’s gearing up to use in a self-defense road-rage trial where his 20-year-old client faced off against armed security guards. Join us for practical insights on translating TLC’s methods—listening exercises, role reversal, and immersive scene-setting—into courtroom strategy, and learn why caring  and authenticity can make all the difference in securing justice.

Suzie Mindlin, a 2002 TLC graduate from California, highlights the power of working on your own cases alongside peers at the three-week college and in local working groups—vibrant hubs that have flourished into engines for justice across the U.S. She welcomes lawyers new to TLC training, emphasizing how these collaborative forums foster rapid skill development and mutual support.

Suzie also dives into the art of scene setting, explaining why the protagonist must be fully “there” and how transporting jurors into that precise moment—down to every detail—creates an immersive experience that makes your story resonate and stick.

Render C. Freeman—2015 TLC graduate and faculty member since 2018—reflects on his fourth “Courage to Ask” program, where a psychodrama exercise helped participants uncover how personal biases and family history influence the dollar values they assign to cases. He explains why “emotion is the currency of the courtroom” and how psychodramatic tools heighten lawyers’ emotional competence—from depositions and mediations to cross-examination and closing arguments. Render also previews the upcoming three-week flagship course at Camp Dawson, WV (Oct 4–27; apply by May 6), where attendees immerse themselves in psychodrama, “discovering the story,” jury selection, and all core trial skills.

Colby Vokey previews the upcoming three‑week flagship program at Camp Dawson, WV (Oct. 4–27; apply by May 6), and explains why it’s a game changer for trial lawyers. Learn how the intensive psychodrama kickoff and the “discovering the story” method sharpen listening, cross‑examination, and narrative skills—transforming both your practice and your personal confidence. Join Colby for insights on why going “all in” for three weeks will reset your approach to every case.

Amanda Harber—a 2017 Trial Lawyers College graduate, F Warrior board president, and former public defender—previews the “In Defense of the Damned” seminar (June 9–13 at IU Maurer Law). She walks us through the week’s psychodrama kickoff, powerful listening exercises that deepen attorney–client trust, and a master-class on cross-examination featuring exonerees like Darryl Burton. Amanda also highlights how TLC builds fellowship among often-isolated criminal defense attorneys, and shares updates on the F Warriors board, strategic planning, and opportunities to get involved.

Stephen Demik, a 2008 TLC graduate and co‑lead for the upcoming Indigent Representation online course, unveils the agenda and shines a spotlight on the often‑underrated art of direct examination—likening its neglect to working with only half your muscles. With just 20 seats available, participants will receive intensely detailed, hands‑on training in real time. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your TLC techniques under expert guidance and transform your courtroom impact.

Eric Davis, co-lead for Defense of the Damned at Indiana University - Maurer School of Law and a board member of the Trial Lawyers College, sheds light on the challenges of practicing criminal defense in death penalty cases. Eric explains how the upcoming course focuses on the art of cross-examination and how TLC offers a rare space for transparency and fellowship among defense lawyers who often work in isolation. He also explores the role of psychodrama in enhancing trial skills, emphasizing that the supportive community at TLC empowers practitioners to navigate even the toughest cases.

Ron Estefan, a member of the Trial Lawyers College Board of Directors, along with Paula Estefan, introduces the upcoming 3-Week College program set for October at Camp Dawson, West Virginia. This immersive training retreat offers individual rooms, individual bathrooms, and provided meals. They discuss the importance of this intensive program for enhancing trial skills, personal practice, relationships, and overall life, urging participants to "go all in" to fully benefit from this unique educational experience.

Marines Jessica McLaughlin and Brett Dunn gear up for an upcoming trial while attending the week-long Trial Skills Foundation Course at Mo Ranch. In this episode, they compare and contrast the nuances of civilian and military court trials, discussing the strategic importance of understanding witnesses' mindsets through TLC techniques. Jessica and Brett emphasize the need to balance rigorous trial preparation with the flexibility to bring a human touch to their proceedings, ensuring that both direct examinations and cross-examinations are effectively informed and shaped by these insights.