Tips of the Trade: A Federal Civil Practice Seminar - 2010
May 5, 2010
8:55 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
6.00 MCLE hours, including 2.00 approved Professional Responsibility MCLE credit hours
Presented by Federal Civil Practice
Co-sponsored by Seventh Circuit Bar Association
Chicago
The Standard Club
320 South Plymouth Court
(map and directions)
This seminar presents a unique and valuable opportunity to hear tips on all aspects of federal civil practice directly from thirty-one federal judges. The topics range from initial pleading and discovery through trial advocacy.
Program Coordinator/ Moderator
Travis J. Ketterman, Whitfield McGann & Ketterman, Chicago
Agenda
8:55 - 9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
John G. O’Brien, President, Illinois State Bar Association, Law Offices of John G. O’Brien, LTD, Arlington Heights
Hon. James F. Holderman, Chief Judge, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Pleading in Federal Court
This roundtable presentation will provide an overview of complaints, answers, motions to dismiss, jurisdiction, venue, and removal/remand issues that confront lawyers practicing in federal court. Discussion will include pitfalls to avoid, procedures to follow, and suggested practices from the judicial panel.
District Court Judges:
Hon. Elaine E. Bucklo, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Robert M. Dow, Jr., Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Robert W. Gettleman, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Milton I. Shadur, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Attorney Moderator:
Camille M. Knight, SmithAmundsen LLC, Chicago
10:00 – 10:10 a.m. Informal Discussion/Break
10:10 – 11:10 a.m. Discovery Practice
This panel discussion will focus on the recent amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure regarding the disclosure and discovery of electronically stored information. The panel will also review discovery disputes, motions to compel, and compliance with the Local Rules of the Northern District.
District Court Judges:
Hon. David H. Coar, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Ronald A. Guzman, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Magistrate Judges:
Hon. Geraldine S. Brown, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Nan R. Nolan, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Sidney Schenkier, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Attorney Moderator:
Peter M. LaSorsa, Law Offices of Peter M. LaSorsa, Chicago
11:10 – 11:15 a.m. Informal Discussion/ Break
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Post-Discovery Issues
This roundtable discussion will focus on motions for summary judgment and final pre-trial orders, with an emphasis on complying with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules.
District Court Judges:
Hon. Ruben Castillo, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. William J. Hibbler, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Matthew F. Kennelly, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Charles P. Kocoras, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Attorney Moderator:
Glenn R. Gaffney, Gaffney & Gaffney, Glendale Heights
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Settlement Conferences*
This judicial panel will present tips and suggestions for preparing for and conducting settlement conferences, including judicial standing orders, client preparation, procedures for successful mediation, and the various formats for settlement discussions.
District Court Judges:
Hon. Wayne Andersen, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Joan B. Gottschall, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Charles R. Norgle, Sr., Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Magistrate Judges:
Hon. Susan E. Cox, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Morton Denlow, Presiding Magistrate Judge, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Michael T. Mason, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Attorney Moderator:
Kathryn A. Kelly, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chicago
2:15- 2:20 p.m. Informal Discussion/Break
2:20 – 3:20 p.m. Trial Practice and Advocacy
This roundtable discussion will provide tips for trial practice from the perspective of the bench, including the use of technology, effective advocacy, and insights into the declining use of civil trials.
District Court Judges:
Hon. John W. Darrah, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Harry D. Leinenweber, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Amy J. St. Eve, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Magistrate Judges:
Hon. Jeffrey Cole, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Attorney Moderator:
Timothy J. Howard, Chair, ISBA Federal Civil Practice Section Council, Howard & Howard, Peoria
3:25 – 3:30 p.m. Informal Discussion/Break
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Ethical and Civility Obligations*
Through the use of various scenarios, this panel will discuss tips for conducting oneself in an ethical and civil manner.
District Court Judges:
Hon. James F. Holderman, Chief Judge, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon Virginia M. Kendall, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Blanche M. Manning, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Rebecca R. Pallmeyer, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Magistrate Judge:
Hon. Arlander Keys, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Hon. Maria Valdez, Northern District of Illinois, Chicago
Attorney Moderator:
Travis J. Ketterman, Whitfield McGann & Ketterman, Chicago