This program is eligible for 1 hour of CLE credit in 60-minute states. In 50-minute states, this program is eligible for 1.2 hours of CLE credit. Credit hours are estimated and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules.
Overview
In this engaging and entertaining presentation, Mr. Salmanson draws on iconic works from musical theatre canon to demonstrate how the core principles of storytelling and play construction can be applied in the courtroom. By exploring elements such as character development, theme, pacing, and dramatic structure, he shows how attorneys can shape evidence and testimony into a cohesive, persuasive narrative.
Attendees will gain practical insight into how to frame their case theory, present witnesses effectively, and maintain juror engagement from opening statement through closing argument. Using vivid examples and real-world applications, this session highlights how techniques borrowed from the stage can elevate trial advocacy and help tell a more compelling story in the context of employment litigation.
Faculty
Michael Salmanson, Esq.
Mike Salmanson is the founding shareholder of Michael J. Salmanson, PC. Mike has nearly 40 years of experience representing employers and employees in employment-related matters and commercial litigation, including cases under the anti-discrimination statutes, ERISA, wage payment and collection statutes, the False Claims Act and other federal, state and local laws. He litigates cases from inception through trial, provides counseling, and negotiates employment contracts of all types and settlements of claims. He is a frequent lecturer on employment-related topics. Mike is especially well-known in the fields of employment discrimination, ERISA and the False Claims Act. He has been named a “Super Lawyer” in the field of employment law every year, and has been repeatedly named a “Best Lawyer in America.” In August, 2016, Best Lawyers in America named him its “Lawyer of the Year” in the greater Philadelphia region in the area of Employment Law – Individuals. For almost half of his career, from 2004-2025, he practiced in the firm of Salmanson Goldshaw, PC, and its predecessors, Michael J. Salmanson, PC and Salmanson & Falcao, LLC. His prior work experience includes positions at Dechert (1986 to 1992) and Mager, Liebenberg & White (1992 to 1997). He served on the adjunct faculty at the University of Pennsylvania Law School for 20 years from 1990-2010 and held the title of Adjunct Professor of Law. Mike received his J.D. from the University of Chicago in 1986, and his undergraduate degree from Princeton University, cum laude, in 1982. Mike served as the Chair of the Narberth Borough Civil Service Commission. In November, 2023, Mike was appointed by a unanimous vote of Narberth Borough Council to fill the unexpired term for a seat on Borough Council created by the resignation of a former councilwoman. He is running for a full term in the 2025 general election. An accomplished musician, Mike co-wrote the book, music and lyrics for A House Divided, a full-length musical about the Lincoln White House. He directed its world premiere in May, 2018 to audience and critical acclaim.
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Related Courses
Civil Litigation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania 2022
- City:
- Start Date:2022-04-06 20:00:00
- End Date:2025-04-06 20:00:00
- Length:
- Level:Intermediate
- Topics:Trial
$179.00 ProPass
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