Earning Trust in the Courtroom: What Lawyers Can Learn from Journalists
Trust isn’t automatic — it must be earned. Just like journalists, lawyers work to persuade skeptical audiences by building compelling narratives backed by facts. But with public trust in both professions at a low point, lawyers can borrow proven strategies from journalism to build credibility with jurors, judges, and clients.
Learning from Journalism’s Credibility Playbook
Lawyers and journalists both gather evidence, craft stories, and present their findings — often to audiences wary of bias. Studies show that journalists are regaining public trust by being transparent about how stories are researched and by citing clear sources. Lawyers can apply these same strategies to strengthen their arguments and build trust.
Transparency: Show Your Process
Jurors respond better when lawyers walk them through how they reach conclusions instead of making vague statements. Like journalists who explain how they verify facts, lawyers can build credibility by breaking down their thought process, showing respect for jurors’ judgment, and addressing potential doubts directly.
For instance, in high-profile litigation, citing records, expert reports, and internal documents step by step helps jurors see the full picture — leaving little room for doubt.
Attribution: Cite Your Sources
Just as journalists cite sources to validate their reporting, lawyers should clearly reference evidence in court. Rather than making unsupported claims, referencing police reports, medical records, or expert testimony lends weight and authority to legal arguments.
Storytelling Through Video: Let Jurors See the Evidence
Video storytelling is one of the most impactful ways to convey a message. Whether it’s a day-in-the-life video showing a plaintiff’s struggles, a settlement documentary combining personal and expert testimony, or a visual accident reconstruction — videos help simplify complex details and make them more emotionally resonant and memorable.
Trust Builds Stronger Cases
In the courtroom or at the negotiating table, trust can be a lawyer’s most powerful asset. By adopting journalist-inspired practices like transparency, source attribution, and compelling storytelling, attorneys can earn credibility — and that credibility can make all the difference in the outcome of a case.
