The Value of Improv Theatre and Acting to Lawyers

When people ask me if I always wanted to be a lawyer when I was young, I say no. I always wanted to be an actor, to be on stage and in the spotlight.

For years, I truly believed that my law career and acting dreams lived in two opposite realities, until one day I realized, “hold on a minute…. I am acting, every day in fact, when I present arguments in front of a jury trying to convince them of my client’s innocence, when I present arguments to a judge hoping my persuasive tone will win the day and when I rehearse my lines of cross examination, using my husband and kids as my de facto audience.”

Now I am a litigator through and through, but what about all of our non-litigators out there or our litigators who settle on the courthouse steps unable to “play” out the script they have unknowingly been rehearsing for months in preparation for the big day?

Here is my big advice to you: Sign Up for an Improv Class and Stop Objecting to the FUN

Why on earth would I do this, you ask? Well, lawyers are generally known to be sharp, articulate, detail oriented, witty…but sometimes afraid to be spontaneous. We spend our days arguing over nuance, deciphering the ratio of a case, decoding our client’s “side of the story” and billing in six-minute increments.  But when a lawyer walks into an improv class, leaves “objection” at the door and replaces it with “yes, and...” magic unfolds.

Here is how improv can make lawyers even more persuasive—and more importantly, a little more fun:

1. Thinking on Their Feet Without Tripping Over Them

Whether in court, at the mediation table or at negotiations with co-counsel—no matter how much you plan—there are always curveballs.  Witnesses do not show, your client contradicts themselves, a judge interrupts your well thought out argument... NOW what?  Improv teaches you to accept what is before you and run with it. When you have pretended to be a dog fetching a bone for his loving owner and really sold it, you can survive any curveball coming your way.  Improv re-wires your brain to adapt, react, and keep on going even when you have no idea what is coming next.  Skills like this make a lawyer look composed and in control even while hiding the stress-sweat.

2. Embracing “Yes, and…”

Lawyers love to argue. It is what we do best, and even better, we are always right! Improv is built on accepting your scene partner’s ideas and not blocking them. Improv teaches you to accept positivity and build off the narrative and the world your partner is creating. These skills transfer right to the negotiation table, where lawyers can work collaboratively with opposing counsel and listen for the common thread, rather than respond from ego.

3. Mastering the Poker Face

Improv scenes are unpredictable: one second you are a spy solving a cold case, the next you are a cactus in the blazing sun.  With improv, you learn how not to freeze when thrown into an unknown reality with seconds to think on your feet.  This transfers right to the courtroom: when a witness says something outrageous, instead of staring blankly, you remain calm and move on—cool under pressure. 

4. Making Peace with Mistakes

Somewhere along the way, all lawyers learned that mistakes were fatal and to be avoided at all costs. Improv thrives on mistakes—this is where the magic lives. The mindset of recovering with humour allows a lawyer to turn off the inner critic, the “cop voice” whispering that all must be perfect, precise and poised. Learning to laugh at yourself and realizing that most mistakes are just a fix away helps lawyers stay more grounded and, in the long run, supports a healthy mindset.

5. Speaking Human Again

Let’s be honest: who really knows what a tort is? (a French Dessert??!!) Improv helps lawyers be authentic when they communicate—listening, responding, and telling stories without legal jargon.

6. Stress Relief, No Billable Hours Required

Perhaps most importantly, improv is fun. An improv class has no objections, no revising contracts, and no co-counsel emails with document requests. You just laugh, play, and say ridiculous things on purpose. It’s therapy with punchlines and applause. 

Improv may not replace case law or courtroom prep, but it is the one place where “making things up on the spot” isn’t just allowed—it is encouraged.

What are you waiting for… go and sign up for improv today. You’ll thank me later.