Janet Metzger

Janet Metzger
Janet Metzger

Contact Janet at janet@courtroompersuasion.com

Janet Metzger is an adjunct professor at the Emory University School of Law, a position she has held since 2000. A teacher of artful advocacy training, she utilizes theater techniques and strategies to maximize creative thinking, building confidence and improved communication. Professor Metzger teaches lawyers basic acting, directing and writing tools a lawyer needs to motivate and persuade jurors and apply these tools to courtroom performance.

“When I first began this work in 1985 as a communications coach for the NITA Trial Techniques Program (now called the Kessler Eidson Program for Trial Techniques) at Emory Law School, I was immediately struck by the similarities between the art of excellent trial attorneys and actors. To be successful, both need to captivate and persuade their audience to believe a series of events, and to be moved emotionally to root for and identify with the good guy, the underdog, the victim of injustice. Through the mentoring of great attorneys and teachers such as Dent Gitchell, Molly O’Brien, Art Mallory, Anthony Bocchino and John Mauldin, I gradually developed a pedagogy of dramatic persuasion which respects and draws out the authenticity of each lawyer, maximizes their credibility and opens up new pathways in the brain so they can think creatively on their feet.”

Janet Metzger has served as a communications expert in NITA programs, and has presented lecture demos and workshops for legal associations and law firms. She served as leader of the communications team for the Kessler Eidson Program for Trial Techniques at Emory Law School, working alongside 40 top trial attorneys, judges and trial teachers from around the United States. This program was modeled after the National Institute for Trial Advocacy program and was the largest in the country, recognized as one of the nation’s finest.

Bringing over 30 years’ experience as an actor, director and singer to this work has enabled Professor Metzger to engage each participant in meaningful exercises, provide insightful critiques and infuse the learning experience with joy and enthusiasm.