Trial preparation
A few weeks ago I met with a group of Trial Lawyers College/ regional grads in Charleston to work up cases, and today a few local attorneys came to the office in Myrtle Beach and worked on cases that are coming up for trial next week. When I went to the college in July, and when I went back last month for a workshop with Josh Karton, I was blown away by the techniques that were being taught, and the opportunity to learn from and practice with some of the best lawyers in the country. That experience was wasted if I don't use the methods in my cases, and practicing with attorneys here in South Carolina, especially those that have not been to the college yet, is gratifying.
I hope to continue working with attorneys using the TLC methods on a regular basis, and there is no doubt that we are becoming better advocates and storytellers throughout this process. I am hungry for more - I've already signed up for grad classes next summer, and I may attend some psychodrama workshops in the meantime as well.
I know that there's been some controversy regarding TLC on the web lately, and I am sorry for those that feel alienated from the college in the midst of the recent changes. A word from a newer graduate, about what the college means to me:
Gerry Spence brought us to the college, and there is no question that I believe he is an amazing person, but it is not about Gerry Spence to me. Whether it is at the ranch or at our offices in our hometowns, it is about a think tank where lawyers meet to share ideas and methods, and improve ourselves and one another as we become better advocates for people. It is in part about Gerry's ideas, some of which I have internalized, some I have modified, and a few I have rejected. It is about being free to experiment and practice trial methods to find what works and what does not, and to develop new methods in the process. It is still about learning who I am, becoming a better person, and becoming a better lawyer in the process.
