What We Do
Narrative Edge Trial Academy provides advocacy training and consulting for lawyers and persuasion training for business executives.
About Narrative Edge Trial Academy
Narrative Edge Trial Academy’s programs are primarily performance-based programs, similar to what is called the NITA method in the United States and the Hampel method in the UK and Australia. The difference is our focus on storytelling. Storytelling is the heart of persuasion and must, therefore, be the heart of litigation. But having taught in programs around the world, Chris Arledge concluded that none of the major programs effectively teaches storytelling, particularly storytelling as a key component of cross examination.
What Makes Narrative Edge Trial Academy Unique?
Innovative Storytelling Focus
We place storytelling at the center of every skill we teach, ensuring you not only present facts but also engage and persuade your audience effectively.
Expert Instruction
Learn from top faculty from around the world who bring real-world experience and success to the classroom.
Bespoke Programs
Our training is tailored to meet the unique needs of your firm or business, whether in Los Angeles or at your location.
Proven Results
Our programs are designed to deliver real, measurable improvements in your trial performance and business communication skills.
Elevate Your Litigation Skills: Storytelling Strategies for Every Advocacy Stage
The Advanced Trial Skills program teaches storytelling in all aspects of trial advocacy. The Mastering Deposition Skills program teaches how to take depositions to mine material so the lawyer can tell effective stories throughout the litigation process, including in key motions, at mediation, and at trial. And the Keys to High-Level Cross Examinations program is a cutting-edge program—we believe the only advocacy program in the English-speaking world—that teaches lawyers step-by-step how to tell effective stories on cross examination, which dramatically improves the persuasiveness and memorability of a cross examination.
Chris Arledge
Chris Arledge is a Partner at Ellis George LLP and the creator and director of Ellis George’s Trial Academy. He has been trying intellectual property and other complex business disputes for more than twenty years.
Chris has landed multimillion-dollar verdicts for plaintiffs in a wide range of cases involving patents, trademarks, licensing agreements, and other commercial disputes, as well as defense verdicts for defendants. His verdict in a 2024 trademark infringement case of $34.9 million is the second-largest jury verdict in the State of California this year and is the 14th largest jury verdict in a trademark case in the nation over the last 25 years.
Learn About Faculty
What Lawyers Are Saying About Us
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Trial Judge
Defamation Case, Regarding Chris Arledge's Cross-Examination of the PlaintiffThe most riveting examination [the trial judge had] seen in any trial … exquisite work. -
Trial Judge
Copyright Case, Regarding Chris Arledge's Closing ArgumentsChris Arledge’s closing argument was “one of the best closing arguments [the trial judge had] seen in 40 years. -
Superior Court Judge
Two-Month Jury Trial, Regarding Chris Arledge's Cross ExaminationAs good as anything I’ve ever seen. [Chris Arledge’s] ability to keep control of the witness while also telling a story was something I don’t think I’ve seen anybody else do. If I were still practicing, I would go to one of your classes or read your book. -
Professor Justin Bernstein
Director of Trial Advocacy, UCLA School of LawChristopher Arledge is the rare lawyer who can both connect with a jury and teach others how to connect with a jury. I've seen him teach lawyers—recent grads and veteran trial lawyers alike—how to tell compelling stories, prepare inescapable cross-examinations, and craft themes and arguments that actually persuade. -
Peter Afrasiabi
Managing Partner, One LLPChris Arledge is the best trial lawyer I have seen. He is also the best teacher of trial advocacy I have seen. I have watched him take complex trial tasks, break them down into their critical components, and in clear and simple language, show a student how to improve their performance immediately. I’ve seen him do this for lawyers of all levels, from absolute beginners to lawyers who have been practicing for many decades. -
Justice Ann Ainsley-Wallace
Chair, Australian Advocacy InstituteAll advocates should continually look to improving their skills. Every advocate, whatever seniority or standard, would benefit enormously from attending this course. The individual training and considered feedback allow each advocate to reflect on how to improve their preparation and case analysis, effective and persuasive argument and witness handling skills. -
Dan Livingston
Partner, Payne & Fears LLPChris is the best trial practice teacher that I have ever met. His programs are always interesting, practical and innovative. I highly recommend his workshop on the art of cross-examination – he takes the legendary Francis Wellman and Irving Younger to a whole new and modern level.
The Latest Insights & Updates
Chris Arledge’s Article “Effective Storytelling on Cross Examination” Published in Orange County Lawyer
Orange County Lawyer has recently published an article written by Narrative Edge’s Founder and Ellis George LLP Partner Chris Arledge titled “Effective Storytelling on Cross Examination.”...
Our Current Approach To Trial Advocacy Training Is Lacking | Published in Law360
Chris Arledge, Founder of Narrative Edge Trial Academy, authored an article titled “Our Current Approach To Trial Advocacy Training Is Lacking,” published in Law360. In...