Countering Reptile-Themed Opening Statements: Defense Strategies for Refocusing Juror Attention

This CLE webinar will offer guidance to defense attorneys planning and creating opening statements in anticipation of and in response to reptile-themed opening statements by plaintiffs.

Much has been written and discussed about disarming “reptile” tactics during voir dire, discovery, and trial testimony, but until recently defense counsel have not focused on effectively countering reptile-type opening statements.

The defense has its own story to tell and counsel need the understand how to present and structure the story in way that resonates with today's jurors. Creating an effective opening means leveraging the way juries think and applying certain well known and established psychological concepts so that the defense message is credible and remembered.

Listen as this illustrious panel offers best practices and strategies for creating and delivering an effective counter-reptile opening statement for the defense.