In this session, focus on 10 common informal logical fallacies, discussing how they are formulated, how to recognize them, how to use them, and how to refuse them in legal arguments and in contract negotiations.
2:00 Break
2:10 Is That a Fact?
Classical logic is built upon premises that are presumed to be true, but what exactly is "true" and how does it differ from "fact"? A recent Pew Survey revealed that 64% of knowledgeable, savvy Americans could not distinguish properly between five factual statements and five opinion statements; the unknowledgeable, unsavvy Americans fared far worse. In this session, we examine the differences between data and facts, facts and truth, facts and evidence, claims and beliefs, beliefs and opinions, and norms and values. We use this information to help you construct more convincing, logical arguments and enhance your credibility in litigation and transactional practice, as well as in casual conversations.
3:10 Break
3:20 Classical Logical Syllogisms
Learn how to use classical logical syllogisms to construct arguments, and how to identify six formal logical fallacies that undermine your credibility and reduce your chances for success. Use this information to help construct more convincing, logical arguments and enhance your credibility in litigation and transactional practice, as well as in casual conversations.
4:20 Adjourn
Description
Do you reason logically? Can you build a compelling argument? All lawyers have to convince someone of something sometimes, whether in contract negotiations or litigation, but some lawyers are more convincing than others.
Contributors
Lenné Eidson Espenschied
Lenné Eidson Espenschied has earned her status as one of the two most popular contract drafting speakers in the U.S. by continually striving for excellence and providing innovative, practical skills-based training for transactional lawyers.
Lenné practiced law in Atlanta, Georgia, for 25 years, focusing on corporate and transactional representation of technology-based businesses. She is the author of two books published by the American Bar Association: Contract Drafting: Powerful Prose in Transactional Practice (ABA Fundamentals, 3rd Ed. 2019) and The Grammar and Writing Handbook for Lawyers (ABA Fundamentals, 2011).
Her passion is helping lawyers acquire the skills they need to be successful in transactional practice.