Working the (Court)room: How to Accommodate Your Unique Needs and Become a Confident, Poised, and Powerful Litigator

Most trial attorneys aspire to exude a powerful courtroom presence. However, in reality, courtrooms can be difficult to maneuver - especially if you are young, petite, or disabled. If you fall into any of these categories, the reality is that courtrooms may be difficult to navigate. Between steps, high lecterns, and jury boxes, the layouts of most courtrooms present physical barriers, which can complicate attorneys' abilities to command the courtroom.  

However, there's hope! Any attorney can be a powerful and effective trial advocate regardless of race, age, stature, or ability. The keys are three P's: Preparation, Previewing, and Presence. Ms. Saunders will share how employing these skills will help you:

• Build Credibility with the Factfinder

• Strengthen Professional Competence

• Combat Imposter Syndrome

• Adapt to Diverse Courtroom Environments

• Advance Your Career Potential

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and quickly rectify physical barriers in a courtroom setting 

2. Understand your rights as an attorney to an accessible courtroom 

3. Effectively communicate your accommodation needs to judges, opposing counsel, and courtroom staff

4. Utilize unavoidable accessibility barriers as tools for effective presentation