
Coaching
Sara has been coaching artists, activists, and defense attorneys (client-centered representation) for over twenty years. She is a certified life coach, a certified trauma-sensitive mindfulness coach, and a long-time communication coach. Sara currently has a coaching program for activist women (STILL/WILD). Her former program was the ARETE Initiative for Women. (See below.)
Testimonials: The Arete Institute
Note: For more on Sara's current coaching program, go HERE.
"Actor, writer and coach, Sara reminds us, gently and often, that personal and planetary transformation (in that order) are within our grasp. Relentlessly creative herself, Sara has tremendous faith in the power of art to illicit such change. This faith, along with her infectious enthusiasm for the burgeoning worldwide women’s movement, makes her a perfect fit for women's groups everywhere. If you have a chance to work with her or hear her speak professionally, don’t miss it."
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Dez Stephens, Radiant Health Institute
"...this is a necessary and deeply meaningful gift to give yourself. It's so easy to get caught up in taking care of everyone else -- and there's nothing wrong with that -- but to give back to yourself by learning how to nurture YOU, and to honor commitments YOU make to YOURSELF..."
Kimberly Durso, Arete Initiative participant
"Participating in Arete is a transformational experience. Often programs will focus on one area; health or just life plan or spiritual practice; Arete throws it all on the table... The program focuses on the whole person so that we can show up as our whole selves and our best selves in the world. I feel more calm, organized and am living on purpose. My husband has commented how great I am doing and look...participating in Arete has even enhanced our relationship and how I connect with him and my girls. I now prioritize my self care."
Elisa Parker, Arete Initiative participant
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*Read more about the four, inaugural Arete participants below!
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Testimonials: Client-centered Communication
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"I called Bert Nieslanik (Alternate Defense Counsel , Denver, CO) last year to brainstorm a sex assault, kidnapping case that was headed for trial. I was very concerned for the client. Bert quickly figured out that my client's testimony was extremely important (he said/ she said case) and recommended that I work with Sara Sharpe. I wasn't sure what to expect working with a trained actor/ communications specialist.
I have been practicing for 10 years and feel like I have a pretty good grasp on how to handle clients and manage cases. But something unexpected happened the first day I worked with Sara. Sara started off by asking my client questions that I had stopped asking clients because I was so focused on rules of evidence, cross-examination, motions issues… Questions like, "How do you feel about going to trial? What do you think it will feel like to hear named victim testify?" Sara started a conversation with my client that had nothing to do with the facts of the case and everything to do with this individual as a person and the experience they faced of going through trial.
I know that a lot of lawyers would say that they don't have time for hand holding or that this fluffy emotional stuff is a waste of time. I would have said the same thing and never would have signed on for a CLE or training about this. But the result was that in trial when I touched my client's shoulder, it wasn't for show. It was because we actually had a good connection. And the jury could see that.
A major benefit I've seen from working with Sara on several cases now: Better client control--it's amazing what creating trust will do. These clients now trust me more. I don't spend as much time butting my head against a wall because they feel like I care about them and not just their case. Surprisingly, I have found that taking the time to establish relationships of trust initially saves time in the long run.
Sara mde my client feel more at ease about the process. She made my client feel like we really cared about him as a person and not just as a legal case. He said that he would rather have a lawyer who "got" him and was on his side rather than someone who was detached and good with the law. Sara gave my client the tools he needed to sit through tough witnesses and not react in a negative way that would have hurt him in trial."
Chelsea S. Reiss
Attorney at Law
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"Sara empowers lawyers to reach their full potential. Her comprehensive understanding of communications skills combined with her deep appreciation of the lawyer's function in the courtroom combine to make her the ideal coach. Anytime spent with her will redound to the lawyer's benefit. Her energy and passion will renew the flagging attorney. Her insight will guide the budding advocate. Her grasp of the difficulties encountered by advocates in the courtroom give her the edge. It was my honor to teach side-by-side with her for a week. I give her the highest possible recommendation."
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The Honorable Thomas More Donnelly
Associate Judge
Circuit Court of Cook County
Chicago, Ill.
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"I recently participated in a trial training seminar in Albany. Half the coaches were seasoned trial lawyers and the other half were actors and or communications experts. I had my doubts and reservations about the actors. I was thinking that these actors had never been in a courtroom and they did not know what it is like to have a daunting criminal caseload.
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I could not have been more mistaken. The actors at the seminar, and Sara Sharpe in particular, were excellent. Sara and her fellow acting coaches showed us how to stand out as lawyers, orators, and performers in the court room. How to paint word pictures for juries and even how to communicate more effectively with our clients. Her insight, dedication and advice have already proven to be invaluable to my practice as a public defender in Manhattan."

David Fisher, Esq.
Legal Aid Society
New York, New York
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More about the Arete Initiative for Women
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Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
123-456-7890