From Hostage To Hero podcast

19:17

The truth is, facts ALONE won’t get you the 6-FIGURE WINNING VERDICT. If your voice is stuck in monotone (which I know most of y’all are guilty of, because that’s one of the very first things we work on… AHEM!), you’re handing your jury an invitation to… MENTALLY. CHECK. THE. FUCK. OUT. In this episode, we break down how to harness genuine emotion by diving into the minor mindset shifts and vocal tweaks that transform bland openings into compelling, authentic, jury-winning stories. Tune in and learn exactly how to dial up the emotion (without tipping into full-blown theatrics) and MASTER the sweet spot that moves jurors from PASSIVE LISTENERS to ACTIVE BELIEVERS. Xo, Sari Mentions: On Becoming a Trial Lawyer – Rick Friedman Quote: “You want big verdicts? You’ve got to go there emotionally. This is why the Crew exists, by the way. A big reason. Because we know that figuring out how to put an opening statement together or which voir dire questions to ask is just the start. That alone won’t get you where you need to go. ‘Let me put some emotion in my voice’ is not going to do it. Why? Because you’re never going to put emotion in your voice until you feel you’re able to risk emotionally and be vulnerable. That’s what it takes.” — Sari de la Motte * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Encore Episode: Overcoming Burnout & Finding Balance as a Trial Lawyer - A Conversation with Jody Moore 39:43

il y a environ 8 jours39:43

39:43

This week, I’m talking with Jody Moore, a powerhouse trial lawyer who hit a breaking point and had to ask herself: 👉🏼 Is it possible to be a successful attorney without sacrificing my sanity? Here’s what we’re covering: ✅ The real reason most trial lawyers burn out (hint: it’s not the workload). ✅ How to stop feeling like you have to “do it all” and still kick ass in the courtroom. ✅ Why making small shifts internally can completely transform your career — and your life. Jody went from overwhelm and exhaustion to building a practice that ACTUALLY works for her life. If you’re ready to do the same, you don’t want to miss this episode. Xo, Sari Quote: "I kept thinking the answer to burnout was external—hire more people, take fewer cases, change something out there. But what I really had to do was look inward. Why was I overworking in the first place? Why did I feel like I had to prove something by pushing myself to exhaustion? Once I figured that out, everything started to shift." Jody Moore * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Encore Episode: Reclaim Your Time & Find True Freedom – Mindset Shifts for Trial Attorneys to Conquer Overwhelming Pressure (with Coach Jody, Coach Siria and Sara Williams) 40:18

il y a environ 15 jours40:18

40:18

Ever catch yourself bending over backwards to seem perfect — only to feel like a phony anyway? Sara Williams once said, “Freedom is understanding that you cannot control how other people perceive you,” Stop letting external opinions define your self-worth. I’m gonna say it again. 🔥STOP LETTING EXTERNAL OPINIONS DEFINE YOUR SELF-WORTH🔥 This week’s episode is all about saying goodbye to that mental straitjacket. Ready to stop hustling for approval and start trusting yourself? 🎧 Hit play now and hear how small mindset tweaks change your entire legal game. Xo, Sari Quote: “It takes work. We, as lawyers, need to talk more about therapy and mindset, because lawyering is more than knowing how to question a witness or structure an opening. To be more effective, you have to understand who you really are and get control of your mindset. That’s what I love about H2H. If we’re going to change the culture, we have to challenge ourselves to break free of that old-school path and really do the deep work, which makes us better advocates for our clients.” — Sara Williams * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Encore Episode: How Documented Processes Help Trial Attorneys Thrive Under Pressure 19:02

il y a environ 22 jours19:02

19:02

In today’s podcast, I’m diving into why documented processes (yeah, those boring SOPs you’ve been avoiding) are actually the secret to scaling your practice and getting your damn life back. 🚫 Stop micromanaging. 🚫 Stop re-explaining. ✅ Start running your firm like a CEO. Xo, Sari Mentions: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Quote: ‘Why can’t people read my mind?’ I mean, you don’t say that, but that’s really what you’re wanting people to do. And so my answer to that is, because you haven’t told them how to read your mind. Here is the big secret when it comes to getting people to read your mind: write it the fuck down. There it is. If you want people to be able to read your mind, you’ve got to write it down." – Sari de la Motte * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Encore Episode: From Presentation to Performance - How to Motivate Jurors and Own the Courtroom 18:17

il y a environ 29 jours18:17

18:17

Most attorneys think their job is to present information to the jury. But here’s the truth: presenting isn’t enough — you NEED to perform. The best trial attorneys don’t JUST deliver a case. They OWN the courtroom, COMMAND attention, and MOVE jurors to action. Here’s what we’re covering: 💡 The four levels of trial presentation — and why most attorneys never reach the final stage. 🛑 Why writing out your opening statement could be quietly killing your persuasion. 🔥 How to stop “presenting” and start connecting with jurors so they take action. Most attorneys get stuck trying to “get it right.” But when you MASTER this approach, you STOP performing for jurors and START influencing them. Tune in now 🎧 Xo, Sari Quote: "If you think your job is just to present information to the jury, you’re already losing. Jurors don’t give a shit about your polished script or perfect delivery — they care about how you make them feel. If you want to win, stop performing for them and start connecting with them." Sari * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Encore Episode: Voir Dire Done Right – Jury Selection Strategies to Win Over Jurors 15:50

il y a 5 weeks15:50

15:50

Ever found yourself scrambling to come up with voir dire questions and hoping they land Stop. Right. There. Asking, “What should I ask in voir dire?” is like asking “What turn should I take?” without knowing where you’re headed. Before you focus on the questions, you need to know the destination. In this power-packed 15-minute episode, we’re breaking down how to craft a voir dire strategy that actually inspires jurors to take action in favor of your case instead of leaving them confused or disengaged. 🎙️ Tune in and fix your voir dire strategy today. Xo, Sari Quote: “Asking yourself, ‘What should I ask in voir dire?’ is not the question. The question you need to ask is, ‘Where am I going?’ Or, as Sari says, ‘What principle are you driving to?’ Before you even sit down and start writing your voir dire questions, I want you to think, ‘What do I want my jurors to give me? What am I sourcing from them?’ Have an endpoint. It’s kind of like going, ‘Where should I go? Should I turn right or should I turn left on a road trip?’” — Sari de la Motte * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Encore Episode: Mastering Voir Dire - Effective Strategies for Discussing Monetary Damages with Jurors 31:49

il y a 6 weeks31:49

31:49

Should you talk about money in voir dire? Before you panic and say, “No way, Sari! That’s too risky!” — HEAR ME OUT. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most controversial questions in jury selection: Should you tell jurors the number you’re asking for? Spoiler alert: I usually say yes. BUT, (and it’s a big but) HOW and WHEN you bring it up makes all the difference. Here’s what we’re covering: 💰 Why saying the number early could backfire (and when it actually works in your favor). 💰 How to get jurors to justify your number themselves — instead of rejecting it. 💰 The secret to making a big ask (I’m talking $100M+) feel completely reasonable. The truth is, most attorneys are scared to say the number. And I get it. But if you own it, if you believe it, the jury will believe it too. Xo, Sari Quote: "If it’s a huge number, like $100 million, I’m going to suggest you throw it out there—but systematically, at the right time. When you do it right, jurors don’t just accept the number, they start justifying it themselves." Sari * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Encore Episode: Voir Dire & Preponderance – Expert Strategies for Trial Attorneys to Persuade and Win 16:14

il y a 7 weeks16:14

16:14

Let’s talk about the preponderance of the evidence. You know, the thing that’s supposed to make your job easier but somehow ends up confusing the hell out of your jury? 🤯 In this week’s episode, you’ll learn how to STOP shooting yourself in the foot during voir dire. 🎙️ Tune in and fix your voir dire strategy today. Xo, Sari "So if what they want is to really be sure before they hand over this money—which again, yes, it’s not their money, but they’re in charge of it for all intents and purposes—and what they want to be able to spend it or allow it to be spent is to be sure, let’s do things that make them sure. Let’s remove their objections and their doubts. And as you know, if you follow me, the best place to do that is in voir dire." — Sari de la Motte * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

From Hostage To Hero

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Encore Episode - My Most Favorite Time Management Tool Ever 19:56

il y a 8 weeks19:56

19:56

You know that endless to-do list that never stops chasing you? Yeah, I ditched that ages ago. Instead, I’ve found a system that’s SAVED my sanity — and my schedule. Here’s what we’re covering in the episode: ⏰Why working against your natural energy cycles is setting you up for burnout. ⏰How to schedule your time first (yes, before work and everyone else). ⏰The genius way I’ve stopped letting random tasks derail my day. Spoiler alert: this system has helped me stay productive while working less than 40 hours a week, even with a growing business and all the life chaos. Oh, and if you’re juggling ALL the things and thinking, “There’s no way I could make this work,” let me tell you — YOU CAN. (I’ve even got my time blocked for Netflix binges. Priorities, people!) Tune in now and learn how to reclaim your time and your life. 🎧 Xo, Sari P.S. Have you tried time mapping? If you’re inspired after the episode, reply back and let me know how you plan to map YOUR time — I’d love to hear! Quote: “Now, what's really important about this is when I see what's left for work, I get real clear, real fast about what I'm going to say yes to. Because I know I only have 30-ish hours a week to work and you might think, oh my God, Sari, how could you get shit done? Because I get really choosy about what I am saying yes to and I get focused. When I know I only have 30 hours a week, I get shit done.” * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Ep. 277 - [TRIAL DEBRIEF] A $20 Million Med Mal Verdict: Lessons for Every Trial Attorney (with Nick Loizzi and Shauna Reitz) 57:13

il y a 9 weeks57:13

57:13

“This case was a mess — so many moving parts, we were overwhelmed. But H2H changed everything. With Sari and Jody’s help, we turned that chaos into a $20 MILLION DOLLAR verdict.” — Nick and Shauna 🌪️ A med mal case tangled in chaos? CHECK. 💰 A $10 MILLION DOLLAR offer mid-trial? DECLINED. 💪 Confidence in their prep and jury? UNSHAKEABLE. Nick and Shauna didn’t just survive the storm — they CONQUERED the fuck out of it. Need I say more? Listen NOW and learn how a high-stakes med mal case turned into a career-defining win! Xo, Sari Mentions: Gerry Spence | 3-Week Program Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Quote: "Mindset was the anchor that kept us steady during the storm. Recognizing and naming our fears didn’t make them disappear, but it allowed us to take control and refocus. We shifted to trust—trust in ourselves, trust in our preparation, and trust in the jury. That confidence transformed how we presented our case. The work we did on our mindset wasn’t just part of the process; it was the reason we walked into that courtroom ready to win." — Nick Loizzi * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Ep. 276 - [TRIAL DEBRIEF] How Anna Martinez Turned a $75k Offer into an $890,000 Verdict 48:16

il y a 10 weeks48:16

48:16

Let’s talk about mindset shifts that ACTUALLY WIN TRIALS. Anna Martinez ditched the fear-driven playbook and leaned into the POWER of juror connection. The result? 🎯 A CAREER-BOOSTING WIN. In this week’s episode, Anna breaks down the H2H strategies that led her to a confident, concise, and powerful case presentation: ✨ Step 1: Make voir dire count. Anna turned the awkward Q&A into a real conversation, making jurors feel respected, heard, and ready to stand behind her client. 🧠 Step 2: Simplify, simplify, simplify. Even with a case about drainage systems (not exactly Netflix material), Anna broke it down into a compelling narrative jurors could relate to and follow with ease. 🏠 Step 3: Show, don’t just tell. Using the “Damages House” framework from the brilliant Christy Crowe Childers (or TRIPLE C 💪 as I like to call her), Anna made every loss feel tangible, real, and impossible to overlook. If you’re TIRED of overwhelm, fear, and overcomplicating your trial strategies, THIS is the episode that will change your game. Xo, Sari Mentions: 12 Heroes, 1 Voice Anatomy of Lies The articles Quote: “One of the things that I said is, well—what would Sari say?—‘What do you want to know from the jurors, Anna?’ I thought, ‘Oh, I know what I want to know. I want to know how many jurors here help people. Why is it important to help people? Why would you want to help people? That’s just out of the goodness of your heart. Basically, do you want to protect people and help them? Is that your spirit? Is that your heart?’ I want to find those people and put them on my jury.” — Anna Martinez * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Ep. 275 - [TRIAL DEBRIEF] Introduced to H2H on Friday, Trial on Monday, 7 Figure Verdict on Thursday, WHAT!?!? 46:56

il y a 11 weeks46:56

46:56

Ever wonder what happens when someone learns the H2H Method on a Friday... and then walks into jury selection on Monday and crushes it? 😳 Meet Frank Fratello, a trial attorney who took what he learned at my voir dire training at TLU and turned it into a jaw-dropping $2.1 MILLION verdict. And trust me, this case had everything stacked against him — no visible injuries, a plaintiff who looked too healthy, AND a pre-trial million-dollar offer that most would’ve grabbed. But Frank said, "Nope. Let’s dance." In this episode, Frank breaks down how he: ✅ Used the H2H Method to win over the jury ✅ Navigated tricky voir dire moments (including a very bold DVAQ move) ✅ Stayed calm under pressure when things went sideways It’s RAW, it’s REAL, and it’s a masterclass in trusting your jurors — and yourself. Tune in NOW! Xo, Sari Quote: “Don't be scared to do something different. Don't be scared to tell them how much your case is worth. Don't be scared to listen to the responses and maneuver with them. They're giving you gold.” – Frank Fratello * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Ep. 274 - Protecting Your Mental Energy: A Holiday Survival Guide for Trial Lawyers 26:48

il y a 13 weeks26:48

26:48

Let’s be real — holidays aren’t all twinkling lights and cozy vibes. In this week’s episode, we’re diving into 7 strategies to protect your energy during the holiday chaos. Here’s a sneak peek: 🎯 How to Say No: Without guilt. Without drama. Without over-explaining. 🎯 How to create boundaries that keep you sane and stress-free. 🎯 Why the “Grey Rock” technique is a lifesaver for dealing with toxic relatives. 🎯 How to find joy without bending over backward to meet everyone else’s expectations. Protect your energy, ditch the guilt, and learn how to actually enjoy the season. 🎄✨ 🎧 Ready to protect your peace? Listen now 👇🏽 Xo, Sari Mentions: Grey Rock Technique Quote: "Joy isn’t a to-do list item. Joy is something you need to notice. It’s something that’s in the ether that just bypasses us unless we’re looking for it. I have a personal mantra right now: 'I create space for joy.' We tend to think we don’t have time for joy, but once you create that space, you have more opportunities to find it. Look for it in those messy, funny moments, like when the flour spills on the floor and the dogs get powdery noses. Find the moments. They’re there if you look." — Sari de la Motte * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Ep. 273 - Non-Economic Damages Made Easy With Christy Crowe Childers 35:52

il y a 14 weeks35:52

35:52

❗NEWSFLASH – instructing the jurors to put a value on non-economic damages is like asking someone to build a piece of IKEA furniture without the instruction manual. Jurors are practically BEGGING you for a formula, and without guidance, they often feel resigned to the task well before deliberation even begins. **THE DAMAGES HOUSE HAS ENTERED THE CHAT** 🏠 The Damages House is a powerful visual approach that organizes each of your state’s jury charges into “rooms” in a house, providing jurors with a clear and logical foundation for your non-economic damages ask. 🤔 AND WHO, you ask, is the MASTERMIND behind this strategy? My brilliant friend, coach here at H2H, a leading lady in trucking law, and soon-to-be published author, it’s none other than… CHRISTY CROWE CHILDERS Ready to discover the game-changing strategy that will give you the upper hand? Tune in and start building YOUR Damages House! 🛠 Xo, Sari Mentions: Childers and McCain Trial Guides video podcasts christy@childersmccain.com sariswears.com/play Quote: “By giving them this framework, we're creating juror epiphanies within themselves. So, I'm going to give them a house and put each category of non-economic damages in the same size rooms and then let the jurors decide which rooms are supposed to be bigger. And so, they're using it as language to trade and make rooms bigger or smaller, and of course that correlates with dollars.” – Christy Crowe Childers * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/…

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Ep. 272 - How to Get What You Need in a Deposition (SPECIAL GUESTS: Coach Jody and Coach Marlo) 32:06

il y a 15 weeks32:06