Sean Cole is just one of many all-stars on the bill at NCAJ’s May 3 Proving Causation In Auto Trials CLE.

The importance of opening statements cannot be overstated. In fact, cases can be won or lost during opening statements. A great opening statement must be well prepared but still allow the attorney to adapt to new information.

In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks speaks with veteran plaintiffs’ attorney Sean Cole of The Law Offices of Sean Cole to discuss the importance of jury selection and opening statements. Listen as Sean speaks about establishing arguments during opening statements and using strong storytelling skills to both engage and empower juries in personal injury cases.

Sean will present on opening statements on May 3 at NCAJ’s Proving Causation in Auto Trials CLE. To register for this and other CLEs visit ncaj.com/events.

Name: Sean Cole

Connect: Law Offices of Sean Cole | LinkedIn

[00:56] NCAJ CLE: Join Sean Cole as he speaks about opening statements on May 3, 2024 at NCAJ Headquarters for the Proving Causation in Auto Trials CLE. Register for this CLE at www.ncaj.com/events.

[01:49] Why are Opening Statements So Important?: Opening statements give attorneys the first opportunity to present the meat and potatoes of their arguments to the jury, and the importance of opening statements cannot be overstated.

[06:53] Compensatory Damages as a Deterrent: During opening statements, lawyers are permitted to discuss how compensatory damages can serve as a deterrent of future bad behavior even if punitive damages are not part of the case.

[09:19] Adapt and Overcome Adversity: Opening statements should be well prepared but should also provide attorneys with the opportunity to adapt to new information and events that come about.

[13:21] Storytelling as a Tool: Attorneys must be good storytellers in order to present arguments clearly and in a way that connects with jurors, no matter what their background is.

[22:04] Empowering the Jury: A lawyer can use the opening statement to empower the jury and remind them that, by serving on the jury, they are a part of something bigger than themselves and that they are serving an important purpose.

[25:51] Authenticity is Key: Plaintiffs’ lawyers must be authentic with the jury because it is the plaintiff who is asking the jury to compensate them in some way, and jurors are generally adept at determining when an attorney is not being genuine and authentic.

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