"Vulnerability is Strength" | Andrew Caple-Shaw (Trial Consultant)

"Just because the jury can't use words, doesn't mean they can't talk to you, it doesn't mean they can't communicate with you. So really listen and really talk." 

Andrew Caple-Shaw joined us on RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia's Trial Lawyer Podcast. Andrew is the managing partner at Act of Communication and a professional actor with nearly four decades of experience. He brings the art of performance and a deep understanding of human behavior to the courtroom and to witness preparation—training lawyers to communicate with clarity and confidence and helping witnesses testify effectively.

Andrew shares how emotional sincerity, narrative structure, and storytelling elevate a lawyer’s ability to persuade. We talk about what it means to be truly authentic in front of a jury, why listening and curiosity are essential trial skills, and how societal changes—from shrinking attention spans to evolving cultural norms—are reshaping jury decision-making.

We also dig into the art and science of voir dire, practical techniques for witness preparation that focus on emotional truth, and the transformative role trial lawyers can play when they lead with vulnerability and presence. 

It was a privilege having Andrew join us.

RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia's Trial Lawyer Podcast

Trial lawyers do not become great overnight. It takes persistence, a relentless work ethic, a willingness to learn from mistakes, a burning passion for the craft, an authentic self, and the courage and vulnerability to enter the arena time and again.

Those who become great trial lawyers also become great people. Through their work, they grapple with the realities of the human condition and in the process cultivate character, principle, integrity, leadership, strength, compassion, and perseverance.

Based out of Richmond, RVA Trial Lawyers exists for Virginia’s trial lawyers. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

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Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki
RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia's Trial Lawyer Podcast