ACT of Communication

ACT of Communication ACT of Communication is an innovator in legal and trial consulting.

For over 40 years, founders Alan Blumenfeld and Katherine James have brought state-of-the-art trial communication skills to over 40,000 attorneys and their witnesses. For 30+ years, Alan Blumenfeld and Katherine James have endeavored to become expert legal consultants through the careful study of learning theory and education theory, as well as the study of human behavior—how people learn, how jurors learn and how they deliberate. Today, ACT of Communication is the premier trial consulting firm specializing in live communication.

In honor of World Teacher's Day, a shout out to our original educators, Alan and Katherine. We consider all of our consu...
10/05/2026

In honor of World Teacher's Day, a shout out to our original educators, Alan and Katherine. We consider all of our consultants educators, as we guide our lawyers and witnesses toward the fullest expression of their personal stories. Take a second today to give a thank you to a teacher in your life: whether they're a parent, a mentor, or work in a school, let them know that their impact matters. They'll appreciate it.

Even the toughest cases need some moments of relief. That's why creating laughter, whenever possible, is one of our core...
10/02/2026

Even the toughest cases need some moments of relief. That's why creating laughter, whenever possible, is one of our core tenets. We all need a break sometimes! Plus, laughter is one of the best ways to break tension. So today on World Smile Day, remember to see the lighter side of things. Who knows? You may even make a new friend.

New Orleans, here we come! Our very own Andrew Caple-Shaw is looking forward to serving on the faculty for AAJ’s Advance...
09/30/2026

New Orleans, here we come! Our very own Andrew Caple-Shaw is looking forward to serving on the faculty for AAJ’s Advanced Depositions College, January 15–17. This hands-on program gives trial lawyers the opportunity to practice advanced deposition techniques, receive feedback from experienced faculty, and bring practical strategies back to their next case. Link in our bio. Can't wait to see you there! Association for Justice

09/28/2026

Yes, that was Alexandra Wright you saw on TV! One of our favorite things is when clients run into us at events and ask, "Was that you on..." In the case of Alex's recent BofA spot, not only was it her but also her actor husband and son. All of our ACT consultants are working actors, in addition to being terrific trial consultants and witness preparation experts. The creativity, empathy, and professionalism that working actors acquire in their training is a huge part of why ACT of Communication continues to be a leader in our field.

One of our core mantras while working up a case or leading a workshop, is FAIL BIG!*The only way we know what works and ...
09/23/2026

One of our core mantras while working up a case or leading a workshop, is FAIL BIG!
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The only way we know what works and what doesn't, either at trial or in a deposition, is trying everything we can think of with a full heart. We believe there are no dumb ideas! Look stupid. Sound weird. Try something that makes no sense.
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Some of our biggest verdicts are the result of someone saying: "Okay, this is going to sound ridiculous, BUT..." during the workup.
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If you've ever trained with us, you know that swinging for the fences in a risk-free space is not only a great way to learn - it's also a LOT of fun.

Congratulations to consultant Robert David Grant for being appointed to the AI Committee of the American Society of Tria...
09/21/2026

Congratulations to consultant Robert David Grant for being appointed to the AI Committee of the American Society of Trial Consultants (ASTC)! ASTC has 400+ members from across the country who bring skills forged in disciplines such as psychology, communication, theater, sociology, law, and many others.
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Visit our Linked In Profile to see his fun interview with ASTC for their New Member Monday feature.

One of the most common questions we get from legal teams and witnesses is, "what should I wear?" What an attorney or wit...
09/18/2026

One of the most common questions we get from legal teams and witnesses is, "what should I wear?" What an attorney or witness wears says volumes before they ever open their mouths. Is it the right message? Is it the message you want to send?
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Consultant Kodi Jackman tells us some of her tried and true rules for creating an impression during a trial or any appearance. Her tips will make sure that people focus less on what you wear, and more on what you're saying.

Andrew Caple-Shaw is our Managing Partner: he took ACT from a mom-and-pop shop, to the full-sized team it is today.  Thr...
09/16/2026

Andrew Caple-Shaw is our Managing Partner: he took ACT from a mom-and-pop shop, to the full-sized team it is today. Through either his mentorship or hands on work, he touches every case and workshop ACT does. He's widely regarded as the nation's top voice in witness preparation and strategy.
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For Andrew, his entire professional and personal life led to the job he now does. A professional actor on stage and screen for nearly 40 years, he uses the skills he developed in his first career to help bridge the emotional and communication gaps between litigators, their clients, and jurors.
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Andrew completed law school in less than two years, despite simultaneously working as an actor in Hollywood, and serving as an industry labor leader with SAG-AFTRA. After a stretch practicing law, he transitioned to full-time case consulting and skills training. Andrew's work focuses on witness preparation, attorney training, and developing compelling case narratives.
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Andrew is a member of the American Society of Trial Consultants, and a sought-after speaker for national legal associations, colleges, and law firms. His work can be seen in major mainstream and online news outlets.

A lawyer's greatest strength is also her greatest achilles heel: her passion for the case.  So often in witness prep, we...
09/14/2026

A lawyer's greatest strength is also her greatest achilles heel: her passion for the case. So often in witness prep, we see attorneys so focused on telling the story they think will win, that they miss out on gold that lives inside the witness. They leave the witness feeling less like a character in their own story, than a parrot doing the dance their lawyer wants them to do.
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With us, it is ALWAYS about the witness. We know the amount of trust and courage it takes to be a witness in a trial - and we don't take that responsibility lightly. Instead of being a drill instructor, we hold their hand through. Even before our own bottom line, the witness always comes first.

Every day we’re fighting to put right things that went wrong on the past.  Sometimes when things go wrong, they are beyo...
09/11/2026

Every day we’re fighting to put right things that went wrong on the past. Sometimes when things go wrong, they are beyond the reach of the legal system. And so, we can only grieve. Remember the loved ones we lost. Try to live lives they would be proud of.

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5354 Etheldo Avenue
Culver City, CA
90230

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