This fall, a new lecture series at Case Western Reserve University School of Law has taken students, faculty and alumni on a journey through the science—and art—of storytelling in trial law. Over the course of three lectures, participants have found answers to the multifaceted question: How do you craft a compelling narrative that captures the attention—and wins hearts and minds— of judges and juries?
“Trial lawyers play a unique role in our society and in our system of government,” said Steve Kaufman, JD (LAW ’75), whose $500,000 commitment established the Steven S. Kaufman Family Anatomy of a Trial Lecture Series. “We need strong trial lawyers to protect democracy and defend the rule of law. With this program, I can help inspire the next generation to take on that mantle.”
In the 50 years since he graduated from CWRU, Kaufman has not only built a reputation as a top trial lawyer in state and federal courts across the U.S., but also a vast network of peers. He called upon those connections to bring some of the most sought-after trial attorneys to campus in the series’ first semester. The first three events welcomed W. Mark Lanier of Lanier Law Firm, John Villa of Williams & Connolly, and Luke Dauchot (LAW ’86) of Kirkland & Ellis, respectively, to share what makes a trial narrative successful, from opening statements to closing arguments.
“Steve has been a wonderful partner in crafting a program that builds on the work of our faculty members and enhances the student experience,” said CWRU School of Law Dean Paul Rose, JD. “We’re grateful to Steve for investing back in Case Western Reserve in this way.”
