Dan Grunfeld speaks with Duane Lyons, former federal prosecutor and longtime Quinn Emanuel partner, about the craft of trial advocacy, jury persuasion, and the pursuit of justice. Lyons shares lessons from decades in the courtroom, including how effective trial lawyers develop their skills, earn jurors’ trust, and navigate the demands of high-stakes litigation. He reflects on his work in the Elijah McClain cases, the strengths of the American jury system, his experiences as a Black attorney in big law, and the responsibility of established lawyers to create opportunities for the next generation.
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Sections:
00:00 - Introduction & Early Life: Harlem to Law School
08:12 - Developing Courtroom Presence & the Craft of Trial Law
18:34 - Prosecuting the Elijah McClain Case
21:04 - Why the Jury System Works & Fact-Driven Advocacy
32:22 - Managing Demanding Clients & the Realities of Practice
35:17 - Breaking Barriers & Diversity in Big Law
43:08 - Mentorship & Opening Doors for the Next Generation
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🎙️ Results Beyond Dispute℠: Profiles in Excellence is the Judicate West podcast featuring engaging and wide-ranging conversations where thought leaders, practitioners, and other influential voices explore the ideas, issues, and conversations shaping the law and legal profession today.
🎙️ Results Beyond Dispute℠: Profiles in Excellence — A Judicate West Podcast
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👉 Learn more about Judicate West: https://www.judicatewest.com/
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Dan Grunfeld, Esq.
Mediator, Arbitrator, Referee at Judicate West
Bio: https://www.judicatewest.com/adr/daniel-grunfeld
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Duane Lyons, Esq.
Retired Partner; Quinn Emanuel