On Demand Video

Dimwits, Ramblers and Jerks: How to Overcome Challenging People and Influence Anyone

Use calculator to show CLE credit for your state.

Does it seem at times you would achieve better results for your clients if your efforts weren’t frustrated by some of the people you have to work with? Whether aggressive opposing counsel or clients who talk on and on, this program will give you fresh approaches to work more effectively with anyone. Legal knowledge is important, but the most effective lawyers know how to influence and gain cooperation, even with challenging people, in order to get the job done.

Turn aggressive lawyers into negotiation partners.
Lead more productive client conversations.
Reduce tension and gets better results in negotiation.

PRICE: $199.00



9:30 - 10:30		Why Clients May Ramble and Lawyers Can Be Jerks When needs are not being met, people can become caricatures of themselves … dimwits, ramblers and jerks. This section will teach you how to shift the dynamics to minimize aggravating behavior and maintain productive working relationships.

10:30 - 11:30		Reducing Tension Some lawyers easily diffuse tension, while others contribute to escalation. This section illustrates how to lead conversations without dominating, give feedback and facilitate constructive dialogue.

11:30 - 11:45		Break

11:45 - 12:45		Choice Points in Challenging Moments Recognizing the moment when a conversation might go bad is a key to maintaining productive working relationships. Learn to anticipate these moments, and make choices that keep the dialogue moving in a positive direction.

12:45 - 1:15		Expansive Resolutions Positional bargaining and acrimony often shut down creative thought and preclude expansive solutions. Learn how to conduct more productive conversations that enables the discovery of a wider variety of options and more satisfying resolutions.

1:15		Adjourn

Brian Hammer

Brian Hammer, M.A., J.D., is the founder and a facilitator for The Likeable Lawyer. Brian practiced law for over ten years before starting The Likeable Lawyer in 2003, and has designed and delivered thousands of highly-praised programs to law firms, corporations and organizations nationwide. He is a frequent speaker at bar conventions, law firm events and other professional association meetings. Brian is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, the University of North Carolina School of Business, and holds a Masters of Psychology degree from the University of Santa Monica.

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Credit Reporting

Our courses are approved in almost all states that have CLE requirements. Accreditation for a particular course will vary by state. Please use our CLE calculator for CLE credit available in your state. For more information, visit our FAQ.

"The course taught practical guidance and helpful reminders on effective lawyering, and did so in a surprisingly interesting and motivational way."

Lynne Lagarde,
Earl, Curley & Lagarde

"You will negotiate better after taking this course. I liked the seamless relation of Aristotelian principles to the neuroscience of what gets people to agree."

Marie Jordan,
Attorney, JP Morgan Chase

"A fresh look at aspects of the practice of law that can provide real day-to-day benefits."

Pat Leddy,
Jones Day

"I was thrilled to find CLE courses that actually focused on the human dimensions of legal competence. The courses I took did not disappoint and were full of both theoretical and practical nuggets I have not seen in any other CLE courses."

Jane Ruddell,
Attorney, Health Care Resolutions

"I thought it would be another dry ethics and professionalism course, but it was the most exciting and practical course I have attended."

Richard Crollett,
New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration