IMPROV FOR LAWYERS
Improv for Lawyers is an interactive CLE workshop designed to help attorneys sharpen listening, thinking on their feet, and communicating with clarity and confidence. Through fast-moving exercises, participants practice real-world skills that translate directly to negotiations, client conversations, and courtroom presence.
courses enrolling now
Our next Improv For Lawyers course is scheduled for Friday, July 10th from 9:30am – 12:40pm. Are you interested in something sooner? Email HelloIndy@xroadscomedy.com and let us know!
IMPROV FOR LAWYERS
Friday, July 10th | 9:30am - 12:40pm
Improv for Lawyers is a fun, fast-moving workshop filled with on-your-feet exercises designed to boost the real-world skills every attorney need in and out of the courtroom. Approved for 3 Non-Legal Subject Credits!
CROSSROADS ON THE INDIANA LAWYER PODCAST
Crossroads Founder Mike Marbach and attorney Michael Murphy dropped by the Indiana Lawyer podcast last week. They were there to discuss their Improv For Lawyers CLE course with host Maura Johnson. This course aims to teach you what law school does not. Listen to them talk about how the same skills that make a great improviser – also make a better lawyer.
ACTIVE
LISTENING
Great attorneys listen for what’s actually being said, not just what they expect to hear. Improv exercises sharpen focus and awareness so you can respond more thoughtfully in client conversations, team discussions, negotiations, and everyday workplace communication.
ADAPTABILITY
UNDER PRESSURE
Legal work rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Improv trains you to stay present, flexible, and composed when conversations shift, priorities change, or new information suddenly enters the discussion.
Embracing
Collaboration
Modern legal work often happens in teams. Improv builds the ability to listen, contribute ideas, and move conversations forward constructively even when viewpoints differ.
Clear
Communication
The best ideas only work if people understand them. Improvisation helps attorneys express thoughts clearly and confidently, whether explaining legal concepts to clients, collaborating with colleagues, or contributing in meetings.
Building
Rapport
Strong professional relationships start with trust and understanding. Improvisation strengthens awareness of tone, perspective, and interaction, helping attorneys connect more effectively with clients, colleagues, and collaborators.
Yes, And
Much More
At the heart of improvisation is the idea of building on what’s already there rather than shutting it down. That mindset can transform how attorneys approach meetings, problem solving, negotiations, and everyday communication at work.
MEET YOUR TEAM
Our program brings together expertise from both the legal profession and improvisational education. Professor Michael Murphy offers insight from legal practice and professional development, while Mike Marbach brings two decades of experience teaching improv as a tool for communication, adaptability, and collaboration. Together, they guide participants through a workshop focused on strengthening real-world skills attorneys use every day.
MICHAEL MURPHY
The Lawyer
Michael Murphy is a Clinical Professor of Law and the Director of the Entrepreneurial Business Law Clinic (EBLC) at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Before joining Moritz, Professor Murphy taught and supervised student attorneys in entrepreneurship clinics at Duke University School of Law and the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, and taught a “Happiness, Well-Being, and Lawyering” course at Duke Law.
Professor Murphy’s research explores social entrepreneurship and how members of the legal profession can lead happier lives.
Professor Murphy’s diverse legal career spans law firm practice, in-house counsel roles, and entrepreneurship. He has been a litigator at a large firm, served as in-house counsel for a financial technology company, and co-founded multiple ventures. Outside of the classroom, he practices improvised theater and is an award-winning storyteller.
Mike Marbach
The Improviser
Mike Marbach is the Founder and Executive Director of Crossroads Comedy Theater, a nonprofit dedicated to the study and performance of improvisational theater and comedic arts. He has been teaching, performing, and directing improv since 2005 and has trained extensively with nationally recognized institutions including iO Chicago, The Annoyance Theater, and the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York.
Mike has taught university-level improv courses and workshops at Drexel University and co-developed Improv for Lawyers, a continuing education course presented at Duke University School of Law. His teaching focuses on how improvisational methods strengthen communication, collaboration, and adaptability in professional settings.
From 2009 to 2020, Mike served as Education Director and Artistic Director of Philly Improv Theater, where he designed the theater’s curriculum, trained instructors, and oversaw the education of thousands of students. He now continues that work through Crossroads Comedy Theater in Indianapolis.