In this video, Benedict Morelli, the founding partner of Morelli Law, is interviewed at the 2022 Trial Lawyers University Conference (TLU) in Las Vegas.
The TLU conference is an annual gathering where attorneys from across the nation share their knowledge and learn from others in their field.
The conference hosts lectures, breakout sessions, and one-on-one interviews, all geared toward elevating the profession of trial lawyers.
A sentiment often shared at the conference is that even the most experienced trial attorneys are still learning about their profession. Benedict Morelli, who appeared as a guest speaker and lecturer at TLU’s 2022 conference, embodies this sentiment in his Titans of Trial interview.
Morelli’s Beginnings as an Attorney
In his interview, Mr. Morelli talks about how he always wanted to become a trial lawyer. He speaks about working as a clerk in a law firm and realizing that he wanted to be in the courtroom, representing clients and delivering justice.
After working his way up the ranks at the firm, he eventually became a senior partner. In 1998, he left to start his own practice, Morelli Law.
How Morelli Approaches a Case
Mr. Morelli sees every case as a chance to improve and learn more about his profession. In his interview, he shares that he takes a different approach to every case and never uses “canned statements.” Instead of recycling arguments that worked in the past, he tailors his strategy to suit the case at hand.
While taking a new approach to every case might sound extremely difficult, Morelli admits that he likes the challenge. He goes on to say that the secret to this approach is “always thinking on your feet.”
In addition to quick thinking, Morelli also champions honesty with clients and jurors. He lives by the motto, “If I don’t buy it, I can’t sell it.”
He knows that the surest path to a favorable verdict is by believing in his case and remaining truthful from the opening statement to the closing argument.
The Importance of Storytelling in Trial Law
As humans, we communicate and connect with each other by telling stories. In nearly every interaction, we convey a story about ourselves, even if we’re unaware of it. Mr. Morelli understands this basic truth and applies it to every case he works on.
In his Trial Lawyers University Conference interview, Morelli speaks on the importance of storytelling in the courtroom. He says that to effectively communicate with the jury and help them fully understand the case, a lawyer must “tell the story of what the client went through and who the client is.”
According to Morelli, this litigation method rests on the idea that no jury is “dumb.” If a jury doesn’t deliver a just verdict, it’s because the plaintiff’s attorney failed to tell the story correctly. It’s clear that this level of attorney-juror respect is key to Morelli’s success as a trial lawyer.
Mutual Respect Between Attorney and Juror
Throughout Benedict Morelli’s TLU conference interview, he talks about how juries are almost always willing to give the verdict he asks for.
He doesn’t attribute this to the strength of his legal arguments or the evidence he presents, though some might. Instead, he credits his success to the respect he shows in the courtroom.
Morelli remarks that the key to swaying a jury is not to show them that he’s smarter than them but that he’s “one of them.” Developing an equal relationship with the jury fosters a sense of trust and understanding that ultimately leads them to respond positively to Mr. Morelli’s requests.
Over 40 Years of Success in the Courtroom
After watching Benedict Morelli’s interview at the 2022 Trial Lawyers University conference, it’s clear that his firm’s success is built on honesty, respect, sharp wits, and an understanding that telling the truth will almost always lead to a positive verdict.
Mr. Morelli has been practicing trial law for over 40 years. Throughout his career, he and his partners have secured more than $1 billion worth of favorable case results for clients from all walks of life.
Morelli Law has changed the lives of thousands of people, which is reflected in testimonials given by past clients. If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced attorney to represent your case, contact Morelli Law’s office for a free case evaluation.
