Building The Case: Storytelling When Facts are Fixed and Stakes are High

Leigh’s Landing: Building Stories, Building Cases

Welcome Post: Unraveling the Art of Storytelling

Hello, Story Crafters and Law Artisans!

Welcome aboard Leigh’s Landing, where we transform mundane legal narratives into compelling stories that captivate, persuade, and win. This blog is your newfound companion in the journey of mastering the art of storytelling, specifically tailored for those who dare to influence and inspire.

Imagine this space as your trusted guide and wise mentor, wrapped up in the pages of your favorite book—only this time, it’s interactive, engaging, and constantly evolving right before your eyes.

Today, We Dive Deep into the Story Spine: The Backbone of Compelling Legal Narratives

The Story Spine, crafted by playwright Kenn Adams, is your blueprint to constructing stories that not only speak but resonate deeply. Here’s how it breaks down, tailored for the courtroom:

1. Once Upon a Time…: Every case has its background, each client their world. Start by setting the scene. Who is involved? What’s at stake?
2. Every Day…: Establish the norm. What was the daily reality before the inciting incident? This is your chance to draw the baseline for your story.
3. Until One Day…: The twist in the tale. What changed? This is the heart of your case—the moment or event that shifts the narrative direction.
4. Because of That…: Explore the consequences. Each action leads to a reaction. How did the incident affect the parties involved?
5. Because of That…: Layer the complications. What subsequent events were triggered by the initial change?
6. Until Finally…: The climax. How were the issues resolved? What was the verdict or settlement?
7. And Ever Since Then…: The resolution. What’s the new normal? How has the story changed the client's world?

Tips to Weave Your Legal Tapestry:

• Practice Makes Perfect: Regularly draft stories using the Story Spine. Begin with small, simple cases or hypotheticals to build your confidence.
• Seek Feedback: Share these narratives with colleagues or a mentor. Constructive criticism is the golden thread in your narrative tapestry.
• Revise Relentlessly: Great stories are not written—they are rewritten. Refine your narrative based on the feedback and your own insights.

Building a Community of Storytelling Advocates You’re not alone in this narrative quest. Building a community of like-minded legal professionals can provide you with a support system to share, critique, and celebrate storytelling successes and challenges. Engage in forums, attend workshops, and participate in online groups focused on legal storytelling.

Stay tuned for regular updates, deep dives into storytelling techniques, and real-life case studies that showcase the power of a well-told story. Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or a law student just starting out, Leigh’s Landing is here to equip you with the tools you need to succeed and influence.

Remember, in the realm of law and beyond, a compelling story well told has the power to change outcomes and lives. Let's harness this power together.

Happy storytelling!

Meet the Author: 

Leigh E. Johnson—A Master of Storytelling in the Legal Arena

In the high-stakes world of trial lawyering, where facts clash and narratives collide, Leigh E. Johnson stands out as a guide for crafting stories that win hearts, minds, and cases. As a trial lawyer and founder of Trial Whisperer and Law Focus Groups, Leigh has dedicated her career to transforming complex legal battles into compelling human stories that resonate deeply with juries and clients alike.

Leigh’s innovative approach is rooted in action methods, which she uses to uncover the emotional core of every case. By combining rigorous analysis with creativity and empathy, she helps legal teams transform raw evidence into narratives that transcend legal jargon, capturing universal truths and driving courtroom success.

Her journey is as unique as the strategies she employs. From managing communications in military combat units to controlling airspace as an air traffic controller and even working in biotechnology, Leigh’s diverse experiences have shaped her unmatched ability to think creatively under pressure and frame the hidden elements of any story. A graduate and faculty member of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, she has trained countless lawyers in the art of storytelling, psychology, and narrative structure.

In this book, Leigh shares the techniques and insights she has honed over decades—tools that empower professionals to create powerful, impactful stories, whether in the courtroom or beyond. Through her lens, storytelling becomes more than a skill; it becomes the bridge between facts and understanding, between strategy and victory.

Let Leigh be your guide as you explore the art and science of the story spine, a transformative framework that has shaped the outcomes of trials, leadership strategies, and lives.