Blog
The time our client helped me escape the paddy wagon
There I was taking the first bites of falafel wrap and fattoush salad with my sister, Christina, in the parking lot before the New Kids on The Block concert. Yes, they’re still ‘Hangin’ Tough.’ We’re in the back of my Honda hatchback- a sporty car that makes you look...
The jedi-mind trick to eating Mexican food (and other stuff you wanna do in court)
We never ate hamburgers. When my boss asked what we wanted for lunch we'd say, “burgers!” He’d look at us, and say, “Burgers?! That’s a great idea! And I know a Mexican restaurant that’s really good.” Our response? “Awesome!” And we’d happily trot off to Señor...
The Time-Saving Yoga Trick for Lawyers
Hot yoga is my thing. We're talking 105 degrees. And if you’re into testing your limits to the point where you think you’re going to have a heart attack, I totally recommend it. But while your organs are slowly simmering in a hot pot, maintaining your focus and...
What to Expect from our Lawyer’s Improv Workshops
Taking an improv class is a lot of fun and a great way to get a ton of takeaways to use in your practice. HOWEVER, the thought of getting up in front of a group, without any preparation, can be nerve wracking. We’re here to tell you, it’s totally normal to feel...
What to Expect from our Private Improv Workshops
Booking a private improv workshop for your group is a big decision. You don’t want to disappoint the group or, even more importantly, your boss. We get it. You might be asking, how does Haus of Improv create a custom workshop for my group? Here’s what you can expect...
Does Remote Improv Really Work?
The short answer… "YES, AND"! Taking an improv class can seem intimidating to some, layer that with a zoom environment, and it can seem even more daunting. It can also be exciting to challenge yourself in a supportive environment. And that is what translates whether...
Improv for Remote Team Building
Remote work has become the new norm for many organizations. And while there are benefits, working remotely also has its challenges. One of them being team building. Let’s face it, it’s hard to feel part of a community when you may never have met in person. If your...
The Winning Voice
We’re career actors, directors and playwrights. Our mission is to give a voice to the voiceless--and we know it fuels you too. Whether you're a personal injury, family law, or criminal defense attorney, becoming a better storyteller will help you become a better...
The rehearsal myth that can take you down
I love being perfect. And I LOVE getting it right on the first try. Rehearsal? What’s that? Don’t need it. I’ve gone on stage millions of times and experienced it all–good and bad. Standing ovations, 30-second rolling laughs at my jokes, I’ve even had an audience walk...
Law360 Article Featuring Haus of Improv
Much of the attention paid to U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has focused on her experience as a public defender and the fact that she would be the first Black woman on the high court, but another unique element of her background has gotten a...
Is Silence Golden?
In the courtroom, silence can be effective. There is definitely a right time and place for it. It can help you gather your thoughts, draw focus and unnerve a witness. Silence can be a great tool when used well. “Silence is of different kinds, and breathes different...
Fear is Waiting, but it’s Not the Boss of You
Fear is hiding around every corner for a lawyer…. It hides behind an unexpected admission from your witness: “What if I can’t shut them down or they start running on me again?” “Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out.” — Karl Augustus...
Wax on, Wax off Technique
Sound odd to you that fun improv exercises can strengthen your skills as an attorney? We call it the "Miyagi-do” method of trial skills training. Yup, like “The Karate Kid" movie. You know how Mr. Miyagi taught Daniel LaRusso to do karate by having him paint his...
Why Improv for Lawyers?
A trial lawyer, who is proficient at his or her craft, has many outstanding skills. They are a tremendous storyteller, who can weave a set of, sometimes, mundane facts into an engaging and persuadable narrative. Their active listening skills and abilities...