Contemporary legal education lacks any training on effective delivery of an argument let alone connection and presence. Women attorneys, in particular, face the impossible challenge of how to assert their power, intelligence, and confidence while also appearing “likeable” and even “feminine.” The timeless words and characters of William Shakespeare can help women learn how to deliver arguments with clarity, confidence, authenticity, and full presence. 

Ashleigh Stochel is a litigator and senior associate at Kilpatrick in Chicago. She received her MFA from University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She is the founder and owner of Perilous Mouths, LLC (www.perilousmouths.com) and company member at Venture Shakespeare in Asheville, North Carolina.