bob pepin| Episode 19

Changing your mind requires vulnerability. And vulnerability requires trust. So how can a trial lawyer earn the trust of juries and judges before they try to change their minds? And when should an attorney be vulnerable and change their own mind, too?

Aaron Nelson sits down with longtime defender Bob Pepin, who has spent 40 years as a state public defender, in private practice, and as a federal defender. Bob explains why the opening statement is your chance to become the trusted truth teller, and why a lawyer who admits “I’m not sure I can do this, but I’m going to try” may be the most persuasive person in the room.

Along the way, Bob shows us how an army brat who grew up on military bases and enlisted in 1971 came to rethink his views on Vietnam, and how his father changed his mind too. We’ll learn how to use cultural references to better reach an audience, and why he’s still hopeful about the next generation of defenders, despite the changes in our field. 

Changing your mind isn't a weakness. It’s the job.