May the Record Reflect
May the Record Reflect is a skills-focused podcast for trial lawyers who want to get better at what really happens in the courtroom. Hosted by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, each episode features experienced judges, advocates, and legal educators sharing practical guidance on trial advocacy, depositions, witness examination, oral communication, jury selection, and courtroom presence—along with ethics, professionalism, and lawyer well‑being. Whether you’re preparing for trial, handling high‑stakes hearings, or looking to sharpen your advocacy skills, May the Record Reflect delivers insights you can put to work right away.
May the Record Reflect
Latest Episodes
78. Refreshing Recollection and Impeachment, with John Farrell
In this episode, veteran trial lawyer John Farrell distinguishes between refreshing recollection and impeachment, two essential but sometimes conflated courtroom skills. Learn how to help your own witness recall facts on direct examination thro...
77. Stay Thirsty, My Friends: The Argument for Lifelong Legal Learning, with Veronica Finkelstein and Marisa Rauscher
Wilmington Law Associate Professor of Law Veronica Finkelstein and law student Dr. Marisa Rauscher discuss what it takes to become an exceptional litigator, from growing your essential hard and soft skills to unconventional ways of developing t...
76. Storytelling for Defense Lawyers, with David Mann
Finding the right storytelling angle can be challenge for any trial lawyer, but for those advocating on the right-hand side of the v, it’s often even more so. In representing clients jurors may not automatically find sympatheti...
75. Prep for Success: Controlling Your Witness through Thorough Preparation, with Tom Innes and Mary DeFusco
According to Philadelphia trial lawyers Tom Innes and Mary DeFusco, preparing your witness for testimony is a bit like training a guide dog: the real work happens long before the leash comes off. In this episode, Tom and Mary talk about how to ...
74. Handling Experts at Trial: Can't Live With Them, Can't Live Without Them, with Gene Tanaka
From forensics to financials and the medical to the technical, trial lawyers rely on expert witnesses to help fact finders understand complicated concepts and issues in their case. But dealing with experts is an expert technique in itself, so i...