In many forums, including some U.S. District Courts, during bench trials, our first opportunity as lawyers to establish themes and vocabulary to tell our clients’ stories will be during opening statements.  Especially in cases where race is involved, the judge or empaneled jury must be able to understand, relate to and like our client. In order to help judges and jurors connect with us as lawyers and connect with our clients, we need to be able to tell a clear story that helps the judge or jury empathize with our client, who may come from a different race or national origin than the judge or many of the jurors. How should we discuss controversial topics including, discrimination, race and national origin with judges and juries during opening statement? How should we present judges and juries with themes and ideas that will facilitate their understanding of how our client experienced racism and discrimination at work as well as their monetary and emotional distress damages and the harm to their reputation?  This panel will address these and related questions through the lens of our distinguished speakers who will discuss their first-hand trial experiences.