Sari Swears

Are you spending your entire voir dire trying to figure out which jurors to kick off your case? You might be hurting your case before trial even begins. In this episode of Sari Swears, Sari de la Motte breaks down seven reasons why exclusionary voir dire is limiting your case, from legitimizing defense arguments and creating a fear-based mindset to missing the opportunity to build a team with your jurors. Listen in as Sari explains why focusing on who you want to exclude gives the defense unnecessary airtime, undermines your trial story, and keeps you from using a principle-centered approach to voir dire. In this episode, you'll learn: Legitimizing Defense Arguments: How exclusionary voir dire gives the defense valuable airtime before trial even begins. The Fear-Based Mindset: Why approaching jurors as potential enemies prevents you from building trust and taking risks. Protecting Your Trial Story: How focusing on defense points keeps you from putting your own story and principles first. Building Your Jury Team: Why searching for your people is more effective than simply eliminating the jurors you don't want. 🏛️ Ready to get on your feet and workshop your opening statement? Claim a seat at our small-group Command the Courtroom Masterclass: https://sariswears.com/opening ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Hit Subscribe and leave us a 5-star review!

Welcome to the premiere of Season 9 of the Sari Swears podcast! In this episode, Sari returns from a 12-week sabbatical to break down why trial law is inherently a creative profession—and why taking an extended break is essential for avoiding burnout and restoring your courtroom presence. Listen in as Sari breaks down the difference between a vacation and a "rest and restore" sabbatical, the mistakes she made, and how trial lawyers who own their practices can train their teams to run without them. In this episode, you'll learn: Signs of Burnout in Trial Law: How physical symptoms and creative blocks indicate you need an extended break. The Anatomy of a Sabbatical: What a "rest and restore" sabbatical is (and why it is NOT a time to catch up on work). Gentle Goal Setting: How to set boundaries, build alone time, and calm your nervous system. How to Prep Your Law Firm: Step-by-step guidance on non-working vacations, team delegation, and stepping away from micromanagement. 🏛️ Ready to get on your feet and workshop your opening statement? Claim a seat at our small-group Command the Courtroom Masterclass: https://sariswears.com/opening ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Hit Subscribe and leave us a 5-star review!  

Can being too kind to yourself hold you back from achieving your goals? In this episode of Sari Swears, Sari de la Motte dismantles the toxic myth that trial lawyers must rely on self-criticism, fear, and burnout to succeed. Grounded in the behavioral science behind James Clear's Atomic Habits, Sari explains why the human brain is wired to respond to joy, desire, and rewards—not self-punishment. In this episode, you'll learn: The Motivation Myth: Why self-flagellation is the exact opposite of what creates sustainable personal growth. The Science of Habit Formation: How cues, cravings, and rewards drive real change far more effectively than force. Self-Love in High-Stakes Law: How shifting from fear to self-acceptance allows you to build a successful trial practice without sacrificing your well-being. Resources & Links:  🏛️ Transform your trial results at the Command the Courtroom Masterclass: https://sariswears.com/masterclass  ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star review wherever you listen!

Struggling with employees, paralegals, or associates who aren't doing things the way you told them to? In this episode of Sari Swears, Sari de la Motte breaks down the secret to delegating effectively so you can step out of the daily administrative grind and into your Zone of Genius. If you want your firm to run smoothly—even when you're on vacation or preparing for a trial—it comes down to one simple rule: Write it the fuck down. Listen to today's encore episode to learn: The 3 reasons documenting your firm's processes will cut your meetings in half and save your sanity. Front Stage vs. Back Stage: How to map out every single client touchpoint and internal task. The simple framework to instantly know if a mistake was caused by a bad process or the wrong person. Resources mentioned: FREE TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING → sariswears.com/free  

This is my fifth and final episode before Sari returns, and I'm leaving you with a topic that completely changed my life: manifestation. I used to think it was complete bullshit, too. But it's not magic—it's neuroscience, awareness, and getting out of your own way. In this last episode, I break down: Why fear and self-doubt are the biggest obstacles to creating the life you want The "Upper Limit Problem" and how we unknowingly sabotage ourselves How your brain's Reticular Activating System helps you recognize opportunities that were there all along The story of how Sari and I manifested our dream beach house The daily ritual I use to stay intentional, focused, and moving toward the future I want to create Thank you for hanging out with me this summer. It's been an honor, and I hope these conversations challenged you to think differently—about your cases, and about yourself. Until next time, Coach K If you'd like to explore some of the resources I mentioned in the episode, I've included links below. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks – Learn how to identify and overcome the "Upper Limit Problem"—the subconscious beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors that keep you from reaching your full potential. The Power of Consistency by Weldon Long – A practical guide to creating lasting success through daily habits, intentional action, and a clear vision for the life you want to build.