Hosts Steve Hohman and Olivia Espinosa are joined by personal injury and family law attorney Shane Henry, as well as noted TV, film and theater actor, producer and director Jean Bruce Scott.
Watch as Shane cross-examines Jean, who plays this episodeâs mock witnessâa devoted grandma testifying on behalf of her son whoâs seeking primary custody of his 2 children.Â
Shane challenges Jeanâs claims in this masterclass of constructive cross-examination.
Whatâs covered in this episode:Â
- The funnel that traps the witness and triggers the juryâs âaha!â moment
- What Bryan Cranston and Tom Hanks shareâand why itâs essential for trial lawyers
- How a fact-focused cross can open doors you didnât expect
- The low-key cue that signals youâve got the opposing witness under your control
- A simple way to collect testimony goldâready for closing, ASAP
Time Stamps
00:00 Whatâs Cross Lab?
2:55 The real power of constructive crossâfor your witness, judge, and jury
10:15 Structuring your questions to box in the witness and create an âaha!â moment for the jury
17:45 The âsecretâ to performing that hooks your audience and keeps you credible
21:25 What successful big-money verdict attorneys have in common
29:30 Mock Case Overview: Stills vs. Stills
34:34 Shaneâs Cross: Building a clear pictureâone fact at a time
57:14 A subtle cue that proves you're steering the witness
59:56 How to collect key testimonyâso your closing organizes itself
1:09:17 Tips for managing performance anxiety