Public Speaking
Why Lori?
Lori B. Duff is not just funny, she is also informative. (Though if you only want funny, she can do that too.) As an award-winning author, humorist, and recovering lawyer who still moonlights as a municipal court judge, Lori brings both wit and wisdom to the stage. She has a knack for turning even the driest legal concept into something you will laugh about on the drive home.
Lori has spoken at conferences across the country, from the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop to the Principia College Public Affairs Conference, and she has been featured on NPR, Georgia Public Broadcasting, and Writer’s Digest. Audiences love her for her sharp insight, lively delivery, and the rare ability to sneak life lessons into a laugh.
Signature Talks & Programs
While Lori can tailor her talks to fit your audience, here are a few crowd favorites:
2019-01-01
The Business of Writing
Writing may start with creativity, but it does not end there. Contracts, taxes, intellectual property, oh my! Lori explains the business side of writing with equal parts practicality and humor.
2020-01-01
Writing Effective Courtroom Scenes
Courtrooms are dramatic, but writing them convincingly is not easy. Lori, an attorney turned novelist, shares insider tips on how to keep your courtroom scenes authentic, compelling, and free of objectionable clichés.
2021-01-01
Using Courtroom Techniques for Storytelling
Good trial lawyers and good writers have one thing in common: they are master storytellers. Lori reveals how skills from the courtroom such as persuasion, pacing, and narrative tension can help any storyteller capture and keep an audience.
2021-01-01
Humor and the First Amendment
Making fun of people in power is practically an American pastime, but there are legal limits. Lori walks you through the sometimes hilarious, sometimes serious world of parody, free speech, and the law, proving that yes, the Constitution can be funny.
2019-01-01
The Business of Writing
Writing may start with creativity, but it does not end there. Contracts, taxes, intellectual property, oh my! Lori explains the business side of writing with equal parts practicality and humor.
2020-01-01
Writing Effective Courtroom Scenes
Courtrooms are dramatic, but writing them convincingly is not easy. Lori, an attorney turned novelist, shares insider tips on how to keep your courtroom scenes authentic, compelling, and free of objectionable clichés.
2021-01-01
Using Courtroom Techniques for Storytelling
Good trial lawyers and good writers have one thing in common: they are master storytellers. Lori reveals how skills from the courtroom such as persuasion, pacing, and narrative tension can help any storyteller capture and keep an audience.
2021-01-01
Humor and the First Amendment
Making fun of people in power is practically an American pastime, but there are legal limits. Lori walks you through the sometimes hilarious, sometimes serious world of parody, free speech, and the law, proving that yes, the Constitution can be funny.
Accolades & Recognition
Lori does not just talk the talk, she has been recognized for it. Among her honors:
- Glen Ashman Educational Achievement Award from the Georgia Council of Municipal Court Judges
- Foreword INDIE Gold Medal for Humor (If You Did What I Asked in the First Place)
- Georgia Independent Author of the Year for Legal Thriller (Devil’s Defense) and for Literary Fiction (Broken Things)
- Featured speaker at national writing and legal conferences
See Lori's full list of awards, professional memberships, and accolades below:
Bring Lori to Your Event
Whether you are hosting a book festival, writing conference, legal symposium, or community program, Lori will bring a mix of insight, warmth, and well-timed punchlines. She is the rare speaker who can make you laugh and make you think, sometimes in the same breath.