Leigh Johnson’s Building the Case: A Triumph of Legal Storytelling and Resilience

At the intersection of law, storytelling, and human connection, trial lawyer Leigh Johnson has shaped a career that continues to influence how lawyers advocate—and how people are heard. It’s not just what she does—it’s how she does it.

As the founder of Trial Whisperer and Law Focus Groups, Leigh is known for her ability to transform complex legal cases into emotionally resonant stories—a skill that has made her a trusted mentor and a respected leader in the legal community.

Her Path to the Courtroom Is as Extraordinary as the Presence She Brings to It

Leigh has managed communications in military combat units, controlled airspace as an air traffic controller, worked in the biotechnology field and excelled as a trial attorney. That rich, multifaceted background informs every story she tells and every client she represents—with grit, insight, and genuine care.  A proud graduate and now faculty member of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, she teaches lawyers how to use narrative structure, psychodrama, and storytelling techniques to build authentic, persuasive cases in the courtroom.

Now, she’s put a lifetime of insight into a compelling new book: Building The Case: Storytelling When Facts Are Fixed And Stakes Are High

A Book Launch Marked by Resilience

On March 27, 2025, Leigh celebrated the virtual launch of her long-awaited book, Building The Case. For over 30 minutes, the event was filled with laughter, insight, and Leigh’s signature warmth. Viewers were engaged, energized, and inspired by her passion for the work and the process behind the book.

Then, at the 45-minute mark, the celebration was cruelly interrupted by a hateful Zoom-bombing attack. Vulgar images and language took over the screen, violating the safe, supportive space Leigh had created. She had no choice but to end the event abruptly. The moment was heartbreaking—but not silencing. Leigh has since shared her experience publicly. For more, you can watch her powerful interview with NBC News.

Sharing the Story Leigh Set Out to Tell

The individuals who disrupted Leigh’s book launch didn’t just interrupt an event—they tried to silence a powerful voice. But her message continues to resonate. Building The Case is more than a book about law; it’s a reflection of the kind of storytelling that helps people feel seen, heard, and understood—inside the courtroom and beyond. If Leigh’s work speaks to you, consider reading it or sharing it with someone else who might find meaning in its pages.

For those interested, the book is available directly through Leigh’s official site, where your support goes directly to her work.

What Building the Case Means to Our Team

At Gomerman | Bourn & Associates, we’re proud to support voices that remind us what matters in our work. Leigh Johnson’s approach reflects the kind of law we believe in—strategic, compassionate, and grounded in real human connection.

We’ve shared a copy of Building the Case with every member of our team—not just in support of Leigh’s work, but because the insights she offers resonate with how we aim to practice: by connecting with clients, understanding the story behind each case, and showing up with purpose in the courtroom.

Why You Should Read Building The Case

From a Master Psychodramatist and Pioneer in Trial Advocacy: “Building the Case is a journey into the heart of what it means to be a lawyer representing people. Leigh Johnson teaches us that to truly hold our audience, we must first listen deeply - not just to the facts, but to the human story behind them. This book masterfully uses psychodrama to explore how understanding your own story can empower you to effectively tell others’ stories. It’s a crucial resource for any lawyer who seeks to transform their performance in court and in life.  

Don Clarkson, Psychodramatist, Educator, and Pioneer in Trial Advocacy

From a Master Trial Lawyer & Teacher of Trial Skills: “This book is a revelation for anyone who needs to tell stories that matter. The Story Spine framework is simple yet profound, offering a roadmap to connect emotionally and logically with any audience. The chapters on psychodrama and inanimate objects brought storytelling to life in ways I never imagined. A must-read for lawyers and storytellers of all kinds. 

Grover Porter, San Bernardino Trial Lawyer

From a Poet and Writer: “Leigh Johnson has not only given us a tool for telling an authentic story, she provides a path for bringing humanity, with all it’s’ glory and flaws, into the courtroom. She shifts the question from merely asking whether or not an argument is factual, to asking whether or not the story is also illuminating.”Cynthia Wold, Poet, Writer, Convener, Founder of Scribble River, Co-Author of The Art of Convening

For Lawyers, Storytellers, and Everyone in Between

Whether you practice in the courtroom, the boardroom, or anywhere in between, Building The Case offers valuable insights into how storytelling can strengthen your communication, clarify your message, and deepen human connection in your work.

Inside, Leigh explores how to:

• Strengthen your presence in the courtroom

• Build deeper, more meaningful connections with juries

• Navigate the psychological dynamics of persuasion

• Apply storytelling techniques in high-stakes situations

If those ideas resonate, this book is well worth exploring.

Join Us in Sharing Her Story

Buy Building The Case via Leigh’s official website to show your support directly. And if you’re moved by her story, share the book with your network. Let’s help her voice reach the audience it deserves.