TESTIMONIALS

"Katherine James has written an outstanding, comprehensive book on witness preparation. Her years of hands-on experience have given her a feel for witness preparation that only comes from genuine awareness and consciousness. Katherine’s tools and techniques for how to find the true stories of each person in each case are incredibly insightful and helpful. Her lessons, such as the importance of “the second-best life in the world” and the differences between visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, are invaluable. Harvesting Witnesses’ Stories is as insightful as any book on witness preparation I have ever read."

~ Mark S. Mandell, Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell LTD (Past AAJ President)

"Ever watch “America’s Got Talent?” If so, you know about the golden buzzer—the boost that gets one straight to the finals. Well, if you want to win for your clients, this book is your golden buzzer. Reading it won’t give you Katherine’s empathy, insight, or talent for reading people, but it will give you the tools to use when Katherine can’t be there. And, naturally, she’s put it in the form that helps us learn the best: stories, thus teaching by example. I’ve read it, I’m working to internalize the lessons, and I plan to use these tools in every case. If I’m lucky, I’ll always remember the two most important lessons Katherine is teaching us: listen, and find the story."

~ Kenneth Suggs, Janet, Janet & Suggs (Past AAJ President)

"My 45 years of representing the injured have taught me that witnesses are key. In a book that should earn a spot in every trial lawyer’s office, Katherine James delivers a comprehensive, how-to tutorial to getting the best out of your witnesses. She provides the reader step-by-step guidance to bringing out the best. For trial lawyers with the luxury of time, the book is a guilty pleasure. But it’s also an emergency manual whose tight chapters permit you to leap to the guidance you need in a specific situation. Keep it within arm’s reach as you prepare your next case. Your client will thank you."

~ David S. Casey, Jr., Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla & Penfield, LLP (Past AAJ President)

"I have worked with Katherine James for many years. She is a terrific communications expert. Here’s just one example of her keen insight that has stuck with me: “One truly acknowledged story leads to another, deeper story. And it is in those deeper stories that human damages live. That is where we find pain. That’s where we find suffering. That’s where we find fear for the future.” Trial success is achieved through witness testimony. You will find this book essential in the preparation and presentation of witness testimony."

~ Peter “Pete” Perlman, Law Offices of Peter Perlman, LLP (Past AAJ President)

"Our ability to tell the human story of our cases is the only way to achieve true justice. Unfortunately, trial lawyers are never taught how to be human, much less how to understand and communicate to others about our clients’ suffering. Katherine has generously drawn upon her years of experience to help us accomplish our most important goal: helping the jury understand the effects negligent defendants have had on our clients. Harvesting Witnesses’ Stories is a must-have book for any trial lawyer who truly cares about telling our clients’ stories."

~ Tad Thomas, Thomas Law Offices, PLLC (Past AAJ President)

"Harvesting Witnesses’ Stories is a collection of keen observations mixed with meaningful insights. Katherine James has drawn from her work with hundreds of trial lawyers to illustrate the power of information processing and its direct impact on witness testimony. Some of the practical examples shared in the book mirror mistakes that I have made in preparing a witness. The techniques for how to fix these errors are explained in simple terms, and they work. This book is an opportunity for lawyers to read and reflect on how to trust a process of witness preparation that flows from an author with the greatest compassion for the human condition."

~ Robyn Wishart, Wishart Brain and Spine Law (Past AAJ President)

"I read the whole book last night and today. I felt like I was taking a “Master Class” in Witness Prep. Katherine James provides us with a veritable treasure trove of practical examples and techniques for effectively preparing clients and other crucial damage witnesses for deposition and trial. The book reads as though she is sitting beside you and personally sharing with you effective tactics and simultaneously providing guidance and encouragement. After digesting the techniques and lessons she presents in this book, you will find yourself even more equipped and inspired to fight for your clients!"

~ Ernie Teitell, Silver Golub & Teitell, LLP

"Katherine’s book is a treasure trove of deep insights into how to help your clients explain the devastating human damages they have suffered. Through a combination of vivid real case examples (which she calls Tales) and solutions (which she calls Tools and Techniques), she gives you everything you need to know to make your client a better communicator – to get to the core truth of what your client’s human damages really are. This book is destined to become a permanent part of the trial lawyer’s library."

~ Bruce Broillet, Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP

"In this amazing “How To” treatise, Katherine “The Goddess” James has given every trial lawyer who labors mightily to find justice for her injured clients the next best thing to having Katherine in the room during witness preparation -- a peak into her methods and secrets honed and perfected over many years. My extreme good fortune over my years of seeking justice for my injured clients was when I found Katherine James to mentor and guide me through the preparation of my clients to meet the challenge of giving testimony at deposition or trial. Katherine’s uncanny ability to connect to these terrified and injured souls allows her to unlock their truths of what happened at the hands of the defendants to cause their lasting human damages, and to be able to articulate these truths for strangers in spite of how profoundly hard it is to describe and face these truths. Once unlocked by this witness-whisperer, these truths come tumbling out. Katherine has in her arsenal not only incredible talent but also a personal commitment to humanity, to truth, to vulnerability, to honesty, to profound emotional awareness, to risk taking, to learning, and to discovery. Here she shares in a clear and organized way what she learned over the years of finding these truths, so that even those justice-seekers who for some reason cannot bring Katherine together with their clients will be able to seek their truths with her guidance and send them in their raw and honest rendering to those strangers who need to hear them – defense counsel and jurors. If wisdom gained over many years can be imparted, this treatise is its chariot of fire."

~ Elizabeth F. Kuniholm, Kuniholm Law Group

"Katherine is truly gifted in that she is able to help each of us to find the storyteller within ourselves. I watched her transform the most rigid and resistant expert witness into a likable and relaxed educator capable of speaking to a jury. Her book provides the roadmap to helping all of your witnesses tell their story effectively."

~ Jennifer Liakos, Liakos Law

"Harvesting Witness’s Stories has just given birth to a paradigm shift in escorting witnesses to & through testimony in depositions & in the courtroom! This masterpiece of guidance, reflection, insight & “how-to-do-it-instruction” is a must read & a must understand for field-soldier advocates who are taking depositions, debating at hearings, mediating towards resolution & trying cases to verdict. In Harvesting Witness’s Stories, Katherine leads us through new & innovative approaches to understanding witnesses & their needs & wants; she pushes us to get into the mind & mindset of the witness by stepping into his/her shoes; she compels us to enhance our efforts to help the witness & improve the way in which a given witness will be perceived by the Judge & Jury. Each chapter is separate & distinct educational experience which will have the effect of changing the results in your cases! This book is loaded with real-case examples of addressing witness related obstacles…and our “tour guide”… Katherine…shows us the path towards victory in each case. "

~ John F. Romano, Romano Law Group, P.C.

"I have known and worked withKatherine James for over 30 years. I call her The Witness Whisperer. Moreparticularly, she is a Client Whisperer. All along, I just thought thatKatherine had an innate, intuitive ability to reach into the body of my clientand pull out his soul to help him testify in a way that would allow the jury tounderstand his many needs. After reading her brilliant book; HarvestingWitnesses’ Stories, How to Get Your Client the Second Best Life in the Worldby Maximizing Human Damages (“Harvesting”) it is clear that we can all beWitness Whisperers.

Let’s look at her model and ingeniousapproach to teaching us to be Whisperers. There are 27 Chapters and scenariosinvolving common issues with client /witnesses and 17 Chapters of tools andtechniques that we can use to assist our client/witness. To assist you further, she explores the tools and techniques that are applicable to each clientscenario(or client tales as she calls them). She does all the work for you ;all you have to do is read this very readable book and you can finally helpyour clients maximize their damages.

How many of you have dealt with thesekinds of witnesses/clients? : 1) the witness who refuses to learn what you aretrying to teach her; 2) the witness who talks too much ;3) the truly terrifiedwitness; 4) the witness the jury is going to hate; 5) the witness who is indenial; 6) the witness with a brain injury. We learn how to prepare andpresent these witnesses and 20 more!

With her extraordinary skills as awriter, and her many years of experience with every kind of witness, Katherinethe Whisperer teaches us how to determine what kind of learner our clients areand how they process information. We learn a step by step guide to witnesspreparation while applying acting techniques (Katherine is also a brilliantactress and acting coach) for the lawyers use in preparing the client.

Simply put, this is the most helpful“how-to” book to come along for lawyers in decades. You will enjoy it and referto it, as will many other Witness Whisperers, for many years to come."

~ Lance M. Sears, Sears & Associates, P.C.

"NLP developer Richard Bandler said, “Where there’s movement, there’s life, and where there’s life, there’s hope. But first you’ve got to get moving”. The Latin for emotion is emovere, and literally means “to move out”.

The magic behind Katherine’s method is how it invites a witness to be able to freely set aside the intense stressors of the moment, allowing their most resourceful, “authentic” persona to emerge, to “move out”.

“In the broadest definition of the word, education means to change and tune a person’s habits and behaviors. Isn’t this what you strive to do when preparing a witness for any legal proceeding?” This is one of Katherine’s many (understated) revelations—that the most effective tool for attorneys to successfully prep a witness is to ask a question, followed by another, followed by another until the “human harms” they are attesting are made crystal clear. Too many attorneys continue to employ didactic direction when prepping witnesses, because they always have.

When Katharine writes: “…the next task—find the right positive personality in the witness’s repertory company of personalities…Guard down, speaking freely, the witness manifests quite a different personality…”, she pinpoints the essence of the magic in her method. For decades, studies of personal expression have shown that each of us has a wide repertoire of distinct “personalities”, i.e. collections of connected expectations, responses and reactions that, if properly drawn out, can serve as available personas – to bring out the most persuasive resources in the most compelling way possible, under the ever present pressures during deposition and at trial.

While the repertoire of “personas” we each have may seem arcane, there is plenty of research to back it up. What Katherine and Alan have for years called “Lawyer Guy”—an attorney’s practiced “professional persona”—has consistently tested as far less effective in communication, influence and persuasion. Fortunately, as Katherine demonstrates in her book, attorneys also can rely on their own more resourceful positive personalities.

As you begin your next witness preparation—and reach for this book—remember to avoid the temptation to stop at just the first “tool” Katherine recommends (any more than Katherine stops at the first positive personality type.) Review them all frequently and employ every one that applies to the witness(s) in your case. Your clients will be very happy you did. "

~ Eric Oliver, MetaSystems, LTD

"Katherine’s influence has been present in every witness prep I have done since I met her ten years ago. Her techniques have changed my perspective on how to communicate effectively and have helped my clients fully express themselves in depositions and trials. I highly recommend you study her book and have your work colleagues do the same. It will change the way you interact with others to the immeasurable benefit of your client."

~ Peter Jouras, Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr.

"Harvesting is a book about discovery – finding the story hidden in your case and to bring it to light. It’s not only helpful, it’s hilarious. It is as if you’re in the room with me telling me about “this case” or “that case.” I can hear your voice as clear as if you were speaking to me in person….and I love it (it’s no wonder clients are so willing to open up when you work with them). What a great way to teach us how to work through those tough cases and tough clients. As hard as it is to admit, I realized through your book that it’s often the lawyer who is the problem and not the client."

~ Ibiere Seck, Seck Law, P.C.

"The sculptors of history’s greatest masterpieces had a unique perspective of their calling. The statue always existed inside the stone. They must see it, then carve and chisel away the excess until the image reveals itself. Their eyes and hands are merely the vessels to set it free. Katherine’s art is no different. By listening intently, caring deeply, and meeting people where they are, Katherine makes those around her shine. Not with tricks or gimmicks, but by bringing everyone’s unique beauty to the forefront. For decades, Katherine has honed her craft by working with every imaginable kind of person, encountering an inexhaustible host of issues. The same issues we face every day in each of our cases. Katherine has now synthesized those experiences into entertaining and insightful lessons that we can use to help make our clients, witnesses, and experts shine. Katherine is one of the most sought-after trial and witness consultants in the country, and after reading this book you will know why. We are her art."

~ Drew Ashby, The Ashby Firm

"Katherine’s book should be on every trial lawyer’s shelf. She has distilled her 35 years of “hands on” experience into this one essential work. Have you ever wondered: “How do you make clients more likeable? How do you make them “relive” rather than “report”? How do you make them “talk like a person”? You’ll find these answers and as well as many other helpful tools and techniques.

Her years of training actors in LA and serving as a trial consultant around the country, give Katherine the uncanny ability to provide the precise assistance your clients need. Over the years she has made a genuine difference in getting my clients to open up and become real persons.

Whether you are preparing a client for a deposition, a mediation, or a trial, I promise you that you will learn a ton of useful information from this book. And you’ll be reminded of the importance of a smile."

~ Michael A. “Mike” Ferrara, Jr., The Ferrara Law Firm, LLC

"Harvesting Witness Stories is engaging,entertaining, and educational—a powerful combination. This book offers innovative witness preparation tools through stories which simultaneously warm and break your heart. Learn how Katherine cuts to the chase in a kind and loving way to help the client get his/her "second-best life.""

~ Patty Kuehn, Patricia F. Kuehn, J.D., M.A. Trial Consultant

"When I say I’ve worked with Katherine James, I feel like those words are all wrong. Nothing I have done professionally with Katherine – working with clients or talking to groups of lawyers -- has ever felt like work. The experience has been an evolution, a revolution, a discovery, and a startling experience of growth.

Katherine brings unique gifts and talents to every human interaction. She sees, she listens, she feels, she empathizes, and best of all, she shares. She is eternally optimistic, objectively observant and wickedly intelligent. Her main goal is to help our clients find their true voice. But along the way, she gently reminds us how to best use our own.

Katherine made critical strides with my mothers and fathers whose guilt, anger and fear threatened to roadblock their connection to our juries. Her remarkable communication skills enabled her to immediately identify with them. The result extended beyond our lawsuits. Katherine has a magical ability to fling open emotional doors and to bring down psychological walls that help people discover the important path to closure, and find their second best lives in this world.

Katherine and I have also collaborated in speaking with groups of attorneys on these issues. Katherine truly loves lawyers and the people we represent. She is committed to the work we do and works tirelessly for all of us. Whether it is one on one or an audience of hundreds, Katherine has an innate ability to educate and to inspire.

I have read Harvesting Witnesses’ Stories and hear Katherine’s voice on every page. It is a culmination of Katherine’s years of studying and understanding the human condition. I intend to use this book with all of my client interactions. I have no doubt that it takes its place on the shelf with the best trial guides available."

~ Pamela Pantages, Nurenberg Paris Heller & McCarthy Co., LPA

"In “Harvesting Witnesses’ Stories,” Katherine James draws on decades as an actor, playwright, and trial consultant to teach attorneys to prepare even the most challenging witnesses. With her unique charm and humor, she enlivens witnesses’ stories so their lessons stick and inspire counsel to uncover the impactful stories their own witnesses need to convey. Her perceptive analysis of a witness’s task and her practical advice for both witnesses and counsel make this book indispensable. It is a must-read book for every attorney whose clients will appear in a legal proceeding."

~ Jill P. Holmquist, Forensic Anthropology, Inc.

"In an industry full of “how to” books, all promising a path to maximizing a client’s damage story, Katherine James’ How To Get Your Client the Second-Best Life in the World by Maximizing Human Damages, is refreshingly honest, piercingly direct, and a must-read for anyone interested in the psychology and theatrical art of telling stories that are meaningful, honest, and life-changing. Katherine’s work of art offers us a window into the mind of one of the greatest and most creative visionaries of our time on a subject that can be complicated, nuanced, sensitive, yet so vital to the presentation of the story, the theme, and the messages for an audience. It took me back to the first time that I met Katherine – some 25 years ago – when I watched her single-handedly take a family destroyed by the tragedy of the violent death of their only daughter and slowly and methodically craft a way to tell the story of the family, the loss, and the loving memories of their child in a way that never could have been told but for Katherine’s “magic”. Katherine’s piece offers us a unique and special window into truly harvesting the stories that lie deep within the pain and suffering that so many of us live and breathe every day. She offers us a key to open the pain in a way that nobody else can. It is with great gratitude and awe that I recommend this reading for everyone."

~ Tab Turner, Turner & Associates, P.A.

"As trial lawyers, we are “the witness preparation doctors for our clients“ and, man, sometimes this is really hard. What do you do with a witness who can’t express the magnitude of the loss suffered by her family following her husband’s death? Where do you turn when the widow does not show any emotion or act like anything is wrong in her life? I turned to Katherine James. Katherine worked with my client -via Skype - and using the techniques described in this book, including the letter, opened up a very stoic and closed person. With Katherine’s help, we uncovered the deeper stories which vividly revealed the true extent of this woman’s pain. This is an example of one of the many experiences that I have had in working with Katherine and my clients. With Katherine’s help, I have helped my clients get as Katherine says in her book “the second best life in the world.” Katherine’s unassuming nature and ability to develop a rapport with all kinds of people, even through Skype, make her the best in the business.

I highly recommend this book to trial lawyers. It is a detailed outline on how to prepare every type of witness and how to dig deep not only within your client’s life experiences but also your own. Included are clear examples of how to reach the most difficult witness. This is a must read. It will make you a better lawyer."

~ Marion Munley, Munley Law P.C.

"We all know that depositions have become of greater importance in the last twenty years as trials have decreased in frequency. There are those who say the day of the deposition in the most important day in the life of a lawsuit; Katherine wisely realized years ago that the time spent preparing our clients for the deposition is of far greater significance. Her book, which takes us through not only tips and techniques but also examples of how to use them, should be on the bookshelf of every client-focused trial lawyer.

She teaches us that it is not OUR stories that matter, it is those of our clients, of the people who have come to us for compassion, understanding and empathy (as well as our legal skills). It is not surprising that a caring empath such as Katherine has written such a wonderful treatise of how to connect with our clients. We need to use her techniques to help our clients as they attempt to tell their stories and to help them rebuild their lives. Thank you to Katherine for sharing her many successful strategies in guiding this process!"

~ Chris O'Brien, O'Brien & Ford, P.C.

"Most people have difficulty finding their authentic selves after tragedy. I believe a clients’ truth and authenticity are the most important elements to obtain the maximum recovery for human damages. Katherine’s proven techniques of listening and connecting with our clients while getting them to open up are the key to presenting a compelling story in deposition and trial. Every trial lawyer should read this book and keep it in their office as a reference!"

~ Geoffrey S. “Geoff” Wells, Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP

"Despite the multi dimensional nature of all of our clients, too often we use a one size fits all approach or technique to client and witness preparation. This book utilizes dramatic examples demonstrating why that approach doesn’t work. I’ve told all the lawyers in my firm that “Harvesting Witness Stories” is a must, it’s right up there with the other essential guides on trial techniques. It’s insightful, easy to use and filled with examples to help tackle every witness preparation issue you might face in your practice. Use it to help break down the barriers of communication and open up new pathways to help clients tell their stories."

~ Raymond P. “Ray” Boucher, Boucher, LLP

"Through thoughtful witness preparation Katherine James helps lawyers to make the most of every case by bringing out the best in every witness. Using relatable stories to keep us focused, to amuse us and to teach, she makes us laugh, be saddened, and ultimately be captivated by this engaging collection of stories and ideas. Katherine does here what we want to do with juries—tell the best story possible. This book is worth reading for the enlightening stories alone, but we come away from it with life-changing ideas to better help our clients succeed."

~ Jerome F. “Jerry” O'Neill, Gravel & Shea P.C.

"READ THIS BOOK. That’s what you tell all your friends. Not your enemies (although the secret will quickly be out). Katherine reveals her magical witness preparation skills through captivating storytelling and no nonsense advice. I have always told those who inquire that Katherine can convert a catatonic witness into an effective communicator. Now she is telling us how she does it."

~ Murray Ogborn, Ogborn Mihm, LLP

"How often do you get to read a book for work that will make you laugh, cry and come away more hopeful about bringing humanity into the legal process? Katherine James is that rare expert who can do it and teach it. Her unique, user friendly format will help you in diagnose the cause and find the right tools to use to help when witnesses are struggling to provide essential and effective testimony. There is no sugar coating here – solving problems in witness preparation often requires significant time, sustained effort and specific skills. And fortunately Katherine is here to give you those skills."

~ Susan Macpherson, Senior Trial Consultant, NJP Litigation Consulting

"This book is a gem. Katherine James provides lawyers the tools and techniques you need to help your clients tell their stories of how the defendant’s negligence has changed their lives. Katherine shares her amazing insights and problem solving in preparing witnesses to talk about the human damages they’ve experienced. She shows us how to help our clients – scared, damaged, inarticulate or too articulate - find their voices. Katherine identifies every problem every lawyer and trial consultant have had with a witness and brilliantly lays out – in her inimitable way – how to solve those problems. What a gift to the legal community."

~ Diane Wiley, President, National Jury Project Midwest

"I have been a trial lawyer for 37 years, and have read many treatises and books written for the legal community, some by lawyers and others by legal consultants. I have read the how to type books, and the anecdote books with many “war stories” from attorneys in the trenches. Your book “Harvesting Witnesses Stories” is one of the best legal books I have read. It is entertaining and informative, and extremely well written. I especially appreciate your creative and masterful story-telling and how you blend in the various communication techniques to illustrate their effectiveness. I can attest that these techniques are tried and true, and have worked in many real cases with difficult clients. Your creativity in constructing solutions to difficult hurdles that come up in complex cases is very well documented.

Personally, I can say that your knowledge and experience as explained in this book were instrumental to help me achieve a record verdict for a client who could not communicate well, either in her native Spanish or English. I have seen you magically connect with many other clients utilizing what you and Alan have been teaching over the years. I know it is not magic at all, but highly skilled tools and techniques as explained in your 45 chapters. Yes, lawyers can learn from Actors, and you and your team are among the best trial consultants I have ever worked with."

~ Dan Rosner, Rosner Law Offices P.C.

"Katherine James has been a treasure for trial attorneys preparing witnesses in any phase of litigation for over 30 years. Katherine has elected to package her art in her new treatise Harvesting Witnesses’ Stories which will prompt you, the trial attorney, to smile if not laugh out loud when reading as well as cry. Katherine’s ability to understand people (including the trial attorneys she works with so frequently) stands out as do the tools she so willingly shares to help all trial attorneys employ the techniques Katherine has spent her professional life developing. Whether a seasoned trial attorney who has experienced the rogue witness/client or puppy attorney who has yet conducted their first solo deposition, this treatise will make you a better advocate, your clients/witnesses stronger, more credible and most importantly enhance their recoveries/outcomes. Thank you Katherine for sharing your brilliance."

~ Randy James, Randolph M. James, P.C.

"Outside of my family, there are two people in this world who I trust. Katherine James is one of them. There is a sacred bond that develops through putting the lives of severely injured human beings back on track. Katherine helps generations of my clients’ families. Years after the case is over, clients will tell me about life developments - - the new business they started, the college education they paid for their grandchildren, the medical care they received, the house they made ADA compliant, and on and on. Every time, the client ends with “… and tell Katherine hello and we love her.” But my true love for Katherine is not in the final results, rather, it is in her transformative process. Katherine has a special magic of conveying the humanity of the client and universality of the client’s suffering. Through this process, Katherine has changed my own life. I have become a better father, husband, friend, and human. Through working with Katherine, it has become increasingly rare that I am overstressed and anxious about work. But during those times when my wife sees me frazzled, she will say “you should call Katherine.” My staff knows Katherine simply as “California Yoda”. And so I am humbled to write this testimonial with Katherine. I have trusted her with my life’s work and my clients’ lives. I recommend you do the same. We are all better because of Katherine."

~ Scott Chafin, Gregorio, Chafin, Johnson, Tabor & Fenasci, LLC

"The depth and breadth of Katherine’s wisdom, wit, and compassion jump off every page. Reading her words makes it feel like she’s sitting beside me, and better yet, a companion at every witness session. Harvesting Witnesses’ Stories is about a trial consultant’s abiding belief in plaintiffs and fearless commitment to the Second-Best Life in their Worlds. This collection offers a masterful integration of skills and techniques from across disciplines. This is a model for us all to follow as Katherine turns witnesses' struggles into successes, weaknesses into strengths, and fears into hope."

~ Amy Pardieck, Perceptual Litigation, LLC

"In the many decades I have taught with and used Katherine James to prep my witnesses I have developed two unshakeable beliefs: Katherine is the best there is at preparing witnesses for trials, and Katherine will not live forever. However she has been gracious enough to set forth all that she knows within the pages of this book, and lawyers, particularly young lawyers at or beginning the primes of their careers, would be idiots not to read this book, digest this book, and put into practice the advice and guidance that is set forth in this book."

~ James B. Lees, Jr., Hunt & Lees, LLC

"While others have written about the importance of damages, or human losses for trial lawyers, Katherine James teaches us how to get the clients we represent to tell us what those human losses are to show the jury.

Katherine James is a pioneer in the field of witness preparation, that I have had the distinct pleasure and privilege of working with, which makes me a better lawyer and person in the process. More than that, she has the distinct skill and compassion to connect with clients amidst their deep human suffering to get them not just prepared to testify, but to tell Katherine their lost hopes and dreams. This is an element of damages that has not been written about before, which will revolutionize the depth of available damages for trial lawyers’ jury presentation.

With this book, Katherine James has once again pioneered for trial lawyers how to both properly prepare you clients for their deposition or trial testimony, and to open their hearts and souls to the jury so that they can get a verdict that shows that justice matters – getting our clients their second-best life in the world."

~ Nicholas P. Panagakis, Morgan and Morgan, PA

"Before your next deposition, before your next trial, you should stop whatever you are doing, and read this book! Anyone who has had the privilege of working with Katherine James has marveled at her magic-like ability to connect with witnesses and bring out their most human, most impactful, multi-dimensional and best selves. Harvesting Witnesses’ Stories peels back the curtain on her unique approaches with a plainly and expertly told how-to manual, combined with illuminating real-life examples from her over 30 years of experience. With this book, James reminds us of the poetry in practicing law, while teaching us to better mine the poetry of life."

~ Stephen J. Herman, Herman Herman & Katz, LLC

"I’ve worked with Katherine for years preparing clients to testify and have seen firsthand how she can transform my diverse clients from “the know it all client” to “to the emotionally overwhelmed client” to the “I’m too scared to talk client” into the most down to earth, responsive and authentic witness one could want. I’ve seen her magic. Until this book I just couldn’t find the wand."

~ Andrew J. Spielberger, Balaban & Spielberger, LLP

"No attorney should continue practicing personal injury law on behalf of claimants, plaintiffs or consumers without first reading Katherine James’ new book on maximizing human damages. Once read it must be kept close at hand as a resource to be used with each new case. The book provides the tools we can use as lawyers to empower our clients to tell the story of the human losses they suffer. Katherine combines her decades of personal experience as a trial consultant specializing in witness preparation with an explanation of basic techniques derived from neuro-linguistic programming. The information is presented in a practical and understandable manner that is invaluable to both the newest and most seasoned trial lawyer."

~ Bruce Kaye, Kaye & Associates, PLLC

"Communication is not was is said, but rather what is heard. Our clients want to tell their story. Yet how they tell that story may not communicate their message. Everyone has different learning styles and different communication styles. As a result, those messages often get lost. Using her years of theater experience, Katherine teaches us how to communicate with our clients, how to find their stories and how to help them communicate their stories to jurors."

~ Mark Kosieradzki, Kosieradzki Smith Law Firm, LLC
Author of 30(b)6): Deposing Corporations, Organizations and the Government and Deposition Obstruction: Breaking Through

"Katherine has a deep understanding of how to find the human side of damages. Her book packages up all that knowledge and passes it on to all."

~ Keith Mitnik, Morgan and Morgan PA

"Katherine James is the Queen of witness preparation and the ultimate authority in how to help witnesses speak with their own voice and communicate their own truth with clarity and meaning. In her storied career, she has prepared more witnesses than anyone in our field. In this incredibly useful book, Katherine articulates numerous witness archetypes that we have all experienced: stilted experts, weird mannerisms, poorly groomed, bilingual, robotic, shut down, angry, crazy, traumatized, damaged, or just plain difficult witnesses. Through personal stories and practical strategies and steps, she expertly breaks down how she has worked with these witnesses in order to get them to tell their story and speak authentically to a jury. This book will be well worn in my own practice."

~ Richard Gabriel, President, Decision Analysis, Inc.

"Katherine James is both the “attorney whisperer” and the “witness whisperer” in her ability to help people get out of their own way. In this age of electronic communication, so much of the richness of storytelling has been lost to a shortened attention span and the resulting sound bites fed through social media and other digital information platforms. Yet, we all still long to hear a story, to truly, deeply connect with each other. No matter what side of the “v” an attorney is on, this book will help them understand their case and better serve their clients in the telling of their own unique stories. I could not recommend it or her more highly."

~ Linda L. Northrup, Northrup Schlueter, APLC

"I first met Katherine at an ATLA convention many years ago. At a seminar she asked each lawyer to tell her about a case we had in 10 words. This has been the single most valuable tip I have ever been given and has guided my trial practice and those in my office ever since. Because of her insights she is a marvel at witness preparation to insure the most powerful presentations."

~ Alan and Diane Perer, SPK: The Law Firm Of Swensen & Perer

"I have had the privilege of working with Katherine for many years and she is not just a consultant but her and her husband Alan have become dear friends. This book showcases her genius which I have witnessed time and time again, not only with my clients but also my experts in preparing them for trials and depositions. Katherine has taught me many invaluable lessons but the one that my wife is particularly happy about and which I must work on every day is "sit back, shut up and really LISTEN." Our clients’ pain, agony, fear, joy and hope are all there for us if we just open up and listen to them. Thank you for sharing these invaluable "Tales, Tools and Techniques.""

~ Ed Ciarimboli, Fellerman & Ciarimboli, P.C.

"Katherine’s Stories bring back so many powerful emotions and insightful truths. Her work is a treatise not only for how to prepare a witness, but more importantly the Book's great lessons teach and remind the reader that we best relate to others when we meet them where they live."

~ David B. Bell, Law Office of David B. Bell, Trial Lawyer

"I have been scouring Amazon for years, purchasing every book that might have some useful information that I could use to help my clients. At the end of last year, I got a letter from Aaaron De Shaw, the publisher of Trial Guides, thanking me because I am one of their top 50 customers. So I know what’s out there. Your book is easily in the top 5 of all time. Harvesting Witnesses’ Stories’ encapsulates a lifetime of learning by the world’s leading witness consultant.

After working with Katherine James—the ‘witness whisperer’—for over 20 years, I thought I knew most everything about witness preparation. Boy was I wrong. I discovered important nuggets in all 45 chapters. I am now going back through a second time with a highlighter.

Katherine presents an easy to implement, yet deeply effective, method. She demonstrates her techniques through 26 case histories, structured as stories that are entertaining and often moving. Katherine comes at it from the viewpoint of helping people, your clients. But to motivate you, I am going to come at it from money. You are going to make more money if you read this book. Chapter 32 alone will increase your average settlement and verdict by 20 percent."

~ Greg Dovel, Plaintiff’s-Side Business Trial Lawyer, Dovel & Luner

"In our firm she is affectionately known as “Katherine the Great”. I can honestly say that her involvement always improves the performance of my witnesses at deposition and trial. I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone interested in learning how to relate better to witnesses and to improve their performance. I especially enjoyed being reminded of “the Admiral” and the story about how he took care of one of his crew members. Very moving and it still brings tears to my eyes. I had him tell it at trial and he got tear-eyed then as well. The jury saw this tough “old Salt” as a caring and human individual."

~ David Beck, Beck Redden, LLP

"Katherine James is a national treasure. As her brilliant guidance proves again and again, justice begins with clarity of communication. No case is too big or too small for her. Every case matters. Every witness matters. And every winning case has a story arc she can help ensure is heard."

~ James R. Moriarty, Trial Lawyer, Houston, Texas

""Ms Katherine" is the best in the business at helping witnesses tell their stories. Her book is a “must read” for any lawyer that tries serious cases to judges and juries."

~ Kurt Arnold & Jason Itkin, Arnold & Itkin, LLP

"Katherine James does not prepare witnesses -- she transforms them. She takes people who are feeble, timid and clumsy and empowers them to be focused, articulate and confident. She connects with plaintiffs in a way that lawyers cannot, teaching them how to effectively and persuasively tell their personal stories. Her methods also help witnesses avoid deposition traps designed to make them look dishonest.

Katherine James should be on your team for every significant case."

~ Thomas W. “Tom” Dillon, Konicek & Dillon, P.C.

"How many times has a client or potential witness said, “I’m telling the truth, so why do I need help preparing?” The first thing I learned from Katherine James is that witness preparation is ALL ABOUT telling the truth, telling down to the bones, spill your guts, open up until it hurts truth. The second thing I learned from Katherine is that HOW you tell your truth matters. Who knew that we need to be taught how to tell the truth? Katherine did, and she effectively communicates her knowledge to lawyers and to witnesses. I would not consider taking a case to trial or having a deposition in a serious injury case without Katherine on my team. Now, with the publication of Harvesting Witnesses’ Stories, you can have her on your team as well."

~ Nancy Adel, Esq. (ret’d), Adel and Pollack

"Wow! I don’t know what I liked best – The Tales or The Tools and Techniques! So true, so honest, so real, so helpful! Thank you, Katherine James for helping me understand the miracles I’ve watched you perform in witness preparation. Not only do I thank you but the clients of trial lawyers who read this book will never know, they should thank you as well. Why didn’t I learn this years ago? I truly recommend this must read and necessary reference book for trial lawyers!"

~ Gregory Cusimano, Cusimano, Roberts & Mills, LLC

"I'll take this book with me when I consult. I’ll hand it to clients and say, "Please read. Learn how to develop this magic. Change a witness from a static reporter into a dynamic participant. Katherine’s guide shows you how to best prepare a witness."

You too can help witnesses testify truthfully, accurately and with appropriate emotion by following Katherine’s path in this book. Katherine James is Wonder Woman."

~ Martin Q. Petersen, Ph.D. Forensic Anthropology Inc.

"Katherine James is a one of a kind, phenomenal person to work with clients before depositions and trials! We are incredibly lucky that she is willing to share her knowledge and skills with all of us to use in our practices! Katherine prepares clients to remain calm when faced with nasty lawyers and helps them understand their emotions and fears so they tell their story in a very honest and real way!! This is one book everyone will want to highlight, dog ear pages of, and read many times!!"

~ Rebecca Walsh, Reiter & Walsh, P.C.

"Katherine James’ new book is simply brilliant! She has harnessed decades of acting experience and knowledge, combined that with years of perfecting witness preparation, which has allowed her to quickly understand the story that needs to be told and what obstacles there are in the witness (and lawyer) to tell it. I have personally seen Katherine in action as she deftly builds trust in the witness, diagnoses the problem, speaks in terms to which most lawyers are unaccustomed, resulting in a compelling personal and human portrayal of truth and emotion. The result is a direct and passionate statement that jurors can hear and relate to. To work with Katherine is a real treat. As a trial lawyer, we are the producer and director of the trial. Wouldn’t you want to learn how to master that role from someone who has successfully done just that for decades? Read her book - it will change your life."

~ Amy Fisch Solomon, Esq., Judicate West, Formerly of Girardi Keese

Purchase Harvesting Witnesses' Stories

With insight gained from a background in theatre and from working closely with lawyers and witnesses, James has developed a method of finding and communicating the stories that convey what she calls human damages. Injured clients may never be able to regain the life they once had—the first-best life in the world, as one client put it—but maximizing these noneconomic damages is the only way to get them the second-best life in the world. In this book, James shows how to get even the most difficult witness to share the stories that matter and that convey the human damages at the heart of the case.

You do not need to be an AAJ member to purchase this book. Non-members will need to create an account with shipping and contact information to purchase.

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