Non-Traditional Narrative Techniques and Effective Client Advocacy

The Law Teacher (U.K.), Vol. 48, No. 2, 2014

Posted: 6 Apr 2014

See all articles by Kimberly Y. W. Holst

Kimberly Y. W. Holst

Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor Coll

Date Written: January 23, 2014

Abstract

Creating a presentation of the facts on behalf of a client for the purposes of advocacy can be a difficult task. While the facts need to articulate the relevant points of the case, they have the potential to be much more than a dry recitation of main points. When advocating on behalf of a client, the facts should create a narrative that helps the audience engage with the information in a way that benefits the client. Teaching this to students is often challenging. Students tend to gravitate toward a traditional, linear presentation of the facts. However, many client stories are not best told under this traditional structure. Additionally, students often fear that non-traditional presentations of facts may be construed as manipulative or unethical.

This article explores a variety of non-traditional narrative techniques and how they may be applied to tell difficult client stories. Additionally, it discusses the benefit of using these non-traditional narrative techniques to teach students about framing facts in a way that advocates for their client. It also provides suggestions for addressing student concerns about fact presentation and ethical lawyering.

Keywords: client advocacy, non-traditional, narrative, storytelling, client storytelling

JEL Classification: K4

Suggested Citation

Holst, Kimberly Y. W., Non-Traditional Narrative Techniques and Effective Client Advocacy (January 23, 2014). The Law Teacher (U.K.), Vol. 48, No. 2, 2014, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2420542

Kimberly Y. W. Holst (Contact Author)

Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor Coll ( email )

MC 9520
111 E Taylor St
Phoenix, AZ 85004-4467
United States

HOME PAGE: http://apps.law.asu.edu/Apps/Faculty/Faculty.aspx?individual_id=69702

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