So you've learned how to be comfortable in cross examination. Now what?

Jim McComas has spent decades redefining what's possible in the courtroom. Between leading the trial division at the Washington D.C. Public Defender Service to becoming a legendary homicide defense lawyer in Alaska, Jim didn't just master cross-examination. He reimagined it.

Building on the fundamentals explored in our previous episode with Matt Dodd, Jim introduces his next steps: dynamic cross-examination. Forget rigid scripts and predictable patterns. Jim argues that the lawyers who win hard cases are the ones willing to take calculated risks — turning witnesses into active participants in cross.

Drawing from his book Dynamic Cross Examination, Jim reveals how to gather your own facts, pull them out with precision, and stay fluid when the unexpected happens. If you've ever wondered what separates a good cross from a great one, this episode is your answer.

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Joining us this week is an expert in cross examination, Attorney Matt Dodd. In this episode, he lays the groundwork for telling a story through facts, breaking down the how-tos and whys behind the art of asking questions. It’s a great listen for lawyers and non-lawyers alike looking to improve their communication and persuasion skills.

While cross examination, or questioning adverse witnesses, is often thought of as a time for poking holes in the government’s theory, Matt tell us we should see cross as another chance to illustrate your theory and speak on your client’s behalf. It’s a chance to paint your client’s story by establishing facts and empowering the jury to agree with your conclusions. If you’re interested in diving deeper into these techniques, be sure to check out Matt’s book Cross Examination for Depositions.

Whether it's using constructive cross methods or showing appreciation to court staff, Matt reminds us we should always lead with decency and kindness. We hope you enjoy.

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Despite knowing she wanted to be a public defender from the age of ten, Colette shares that even when you know where you want to go, finding who you are on the way there is the most rewarding part.

Colette’s career has taken her through public and private defense work in DC, Massachusetts, Seattle, Denver, and more. Along with practicing, she has also served as Director of Public Defense Training and Reform at the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). Through all of these experiences, Colette not only continues to discover her own voice but has helped create spaces for other defense attorneys to find their own.

At its core, criminal defense work is about belonging: helping our clients feel seen and heard starts with an attorney who can stand confidently in who they are. This is a conversation about growth, identity, and the lifelong process of becoming the advocate your clients need.

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