Training Guide

Closing Argument

Training Guide

Closing Argument

Topic: Trial Practice
Duration: 1 hr
Format: Remote or in person

What’s Covered

Pre-Trial
Structuring the Closing
Drafting the Closing
Monitoring the Evidence
Arguing Persuasively
Delivering the Closing

Before the Session

Prepare the Attendees

Send the attendees an invitation for the session. Include this link, which has the videos and exercise they’ll need to prepare.

https://www.hotshotlegal.com/trainings/closing-argument/attendee

Prepare Yourself

Watch the videos and read the exercise so you’re familiar with the Hotshot material.

Course

Closing Argument

Step-by-step guidance on building your closing argument, from pre-trial planning to acing the delivery. Includes how to structure the closing, draft it persuasively, and make it clear for the jury. Also teaches how to decide what to put in your closing, including what to look for you as you monitor the evidence coming in during trial.
Exercise

Closing Argument
PDF

During the Session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

When should you start working on your closing and why?
What are some things you should be sure to include in your closing?
As you monitor evidence coming in during the trial, what are some things to look for that will be good to include in your closing?
How should you explain the jury instructions to the jury during your closing?
What are some things you can do and not do to make your argument persuasive?
What are some things you might show to a jury (on a screen, demonstrative board, etc.)?

Part 2: Group Exercise

Lead a group discussion based on the exercise. To encourage collaboration, divide the attendees into groups to discuss the exercise, then have a representative from each group summarize their views to the larger group. Call on people to share their thoughts and ask others to respond.

Tip for remote sessions: use your web conferencing system’s breakout room feature to divide people into groups.

Part 3: War Stories and Firm Specifics

Share your own experiences and guidance, including:

Anecdotes and war stories (e.g., about a near-disaster or a tough negotiation)
General practice tips (dos and don’ts)
Firm-specific guidance and practices

After the Session

To continue their learning, attendees can check out related courses in Hotshot’s Trial Practice topic.

About Hotshot

Hotshot helps lawyers develop their legal, business, and technology skills through short videos, quizzes, and summaries, and we help law firms and law schools plan and deliver engaging training programs. Our customers include Am Law 200 firms, top law schools, and regional and international firms.