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The Alchemy of Idiots: A Persuasive Lawyer’s Guide to Transform Difficult Opposition into a Collaborative Partner

Use calculator to show CLE credit for your state.

This program teaches lawyers how to transform difficult situations and people into surprising success. Participants will learn how to direct the trajectory of relationships at three key moments that determine the quality of cooperation in almost any professional association: the first contact, the invitation to collaborate, and when tensions flair. By learning to apply a de-escalating dialog model to these situations, lawyers will be able to: 

Increase the likelihood of cooperation from the very first contact.
Invite the other side into a creative brainstorming that achieves everyone’s objectives.
Get back on track when tension and emotions might derail success.

PRICE: $199.00



8:30 - 9:00		A New Influence Model In this section, participants will discuss a three-pronged model to build sustainable influence with clients, opposing counsel, colleagues and staff. Lawyers will learn how to employ this model to achieve more of their clients’ objectives in a variety of situations that lawyers from all practice types encounter on a daily basis.

9:00 - 10:00		The First Meeting First impressions last a lifetime and the first meeting sets the tone for the relationship. In this section, lawyers will learn how highly influential lawyers use communication cartography, other-person focus, bias-checking, and curiosity to build influence in relationships.

10:00 - 10:15		Break

10:15 - 11:15		The Invitation to Collaborate It takes two to tango. In this section, lawyers will learn how to use needs mapping and expansive negotiation theory to make a compelling pitch for collaboration. Lawyers will then discuss how to invite the other parties and lawyers to engage in a creative process that is designed to meet everyone’s objectives.

11:15 - 12:15		Staying on Track When Tensions Flair Tension is inevitable in negotiation though it need not derail collaboration. This section teaches lawyers how to defuse tension with perception checking, curiosity-questions, and by referring to the other side’s needs. These same techniques can also be employed to de-escalate with difficult people in most situations.

5:00		Adjourn

Jeffrey Stec

Jeffrey Stec, J.D. has been a licensed lawyer since 1992, having practiced in the area of complex-family matters, including estate, divorce, and child custody disputes. Jeff developed his collaborative skills by becoming a certified mediator and strategic planning facilitator, specializing in family issues. Jeff has developed an expertise in the collaborative resolution of disputes, and in addition to his work with The Likeable Lawyer, he is currently a sought-after consultant who works with non-profits and municipalities to fashion solutions to complex organizational and community issues. Jeffrey graduated with honors from the University of Michigan Law School, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with high honors from the University of Michigan.

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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.

"Excellent instructor and valuable material on working more effectively with clients and lawyers. Filled with thoughtful suggestions that will enhance my legal skill."

Patricia J. O'Donnell,
Baker Hostetler

"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

"This program discusses ethos, pathos and logos not only in building professional relationships generally, but also makes it relevant to each participant's individual situation. The webinar is interactive and entertaining which is sometimes rare for a program with a basis in ethics. Highly recommended."

Amanda Owens,
White & Allen

"Very informative and effective seminar! One of my favorites!"

Mary Ellen Spiece,
Wilkes & McHugh

"This was one of the best CLEs I have ever attended in 20+ years of practice. The substantive content was meaningful and can be applied immediately to both legal and personal interactions. A refreshing change from the "norm" of presenters reading their PowerPoint slides."

Lois Eisenstein,
Attorney, University of Arizona