Trial Practice from Voir Dire Through Post Trial

This program is designed to provide a practical and substantive review of the civil litigation process—from motions before trial to motions for a mistrial and motions for appeal. This presentation is directed toward civil law practitioners and designed for all levels of experience. Topics include motions in limine, voir dire, opening and closing statements, using technology to present your case, direct and cross examination, post-trial motions, and ethical considerations. A discussion on the things that lawyers, witnesses, and jurors do (or should not do) during trial is also included.

 

 

 

 

Requesting that certain evidence may (or may not) be introduced to the jury is an important pre-trial action in the civil practice process. This segment examines the effective use of motions in limine to shape the evidence before a trial begins.

 

Finding or eliminating the right jurors is a necessary step in the trial process. This segment discusses voir dire and how to get the venire to talk about how they will decide your case.

 

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Break (beverages provided)

 

In this session, the speaker examines the opening statement as a well-told short story and discusses the effective methods of communicating the theme of your case to the jury.

 

Using technology throughout a trial enhances a lawyer’s ability to deliver an effective presentation. This segment examines the effectual uses of technology when presenting trial testimony.

 

 

In this segment, the speaker discusses the basic principles for preparing and presenting witness testimony, including expert testimony and impeachment.

 

This segment examines the basic principles of cross examination, including expert witnesses and the use of learned treatises.

 

For this segment, the speaker discusses how to effectively combine the evidence and law into a powerful, concluding presentation.

 

This segment offers observations on trial practice as witnessed by a former seasoned State and Federal trial judge, and includes a discussion on the things that lawyers, witnesses, and jurors do (or should not do) during trial.

 

3:00 – 3:15 p.m. Break (refreshments provided)

 

This session discusses motions that arise during and after trial, such as motions for mistrial, motions to bar evidence, direct verdict, motion for a new trial and motions JNOV. Preserving issues for appeal are also examined.

 

This segment examines ethical and professional issues a lawyer must consider, including maintaining client funds, neglect of client matters, and mental health issues facing the legal profession.