If You Can’t Tell the Story, You Can’t Win the Argument: Persuasion Strategies Every Lawyer Must Master

Karen Koehler | Stritmatter Law

Karen Koehler is the managing partner of the Stritmatter Firm in Washington State. She is a past president of the Washington State Assn for Justice and also received its trial lawyer of the year award. She received the same award from the Marvin Belli Assn.

Her 40 year career has included significant trial victories including the $123M verdict in Dihn et al v. Ride the Ducks (2019), and a $44M verdict in a motorcycle v. vehicle crash (2022). She has tried sensational cases including a wrongful death by murder case that was the subject of a TV crime show. And she has handled cases that have changed State Law such as Ethel Adams v. Farmers, where the insurer denied a UIM claim to a bystander victim of road rage resulting in the legislature passing the Ethel Adams Act prohibiting such denials.

Paul Rakowicz | Paul Rakowicz Vocal Coaching

Paul Rakowicz is a Certified Roger Love Method™ Vocal Coach and the author of Sounds of Impact: How to Speak with Confidence, Authenticity, and Purpose.

With 40 years of executive leadership experience, Paul now coaches professionals to unlock the full potential of their voice. His work blends vocal technique, emotional clarity, and strategic storytelling to help speakers move audiences and lead with impact.

Known for his calm authority and soul-rooted coaching style, Paul helps legal professionals stop performing and start connecting—so their voice leads with clarity, conviction, and power.

Session I – Persuasive Impact Through Trial Storytelling | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

• Determining the theme
• Developing the plot line and related evidence
• Organizing the presentation to maximize persuasive appeal
• Using creativity in presentation techniques, from narration to demonstrative evidence

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

Session II – The Art of Storytelling for Lawyers: How to Speak with Presence, Persuasion, and Precision | 2:10pm – 3:10pm

• Pacing, pausing & emphasis: How to guide attention and build persuasive rhythm
• Tone variation for engagement: Keeping juries and judges actively listening
• Vocal presence: Commanding the room without raising your voice
• Articulation & clarity: Speaking with precision under pressure
• Emotional connection: Making your voice a conduit for truth, not just information