Foundations, Evidence & Objections – 2012
March 5, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
4.00 MCLE hours, including 0.50 Professional Responsibility MCLE credit hours (PMCLE credit subject to approval)
Presented by Tort Law
Chicago
ISBA Chicago Regional Office
20 S. Clark St, Suite 900
(map and directions)
Improve your trial practice skills!
Laying foundations, introducing evidence, and responding to objections are among the most difficult steps in the trial process. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your trial practice skills with this half-day seminar. Topics include: motions in limine; using/combating objections during discovery depositions; choosing your jury; appealing to the jury; using exhibits during the opening statement; laying strong foundations for evidence; using experts and witnesses; preserving the record for appeal; offers of proof; demonstrative evidence; and much more. Plaintiff and defense attorneys – with basic to intermediate practice experience – will benefit from the information presented throughout this seminar.
Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Nicholas T. Motherway, Motherway & Napleton, LLP, Chicago
Please Note: Prior to the program, you will receive a weblink via email allowing you to access the course materials prior to the program. You will also receive a copy of the course materials (for no additional charge) when you arrive at the program, but will need to check the appropriate box on the registration page letting us know if you prefer a flash drive or printed course book.
Agenda
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Motions in Limine
This comprehensive overview examines the various motions in limine that plaintiff and defense attorneys often use, as well as specific case laws that are used for arguing points made in the motion. Additional topics include organizing your motions in limine by granted/reserved/denied status; ensuring the motion is on record during trial after the ruling; and recognizing issues that might arise during specific cases, such as wrongful death, medical malpractice, and automobile cases.
Scott D. Lane, Lane & Lane, LLC, Chicago
Kenya A. Jenkins-Wright, Greene and Letts, Chicago
9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Trial Preparation – Using Your Depositions
The depth in which an attorney prepares for a trial can make or break a case. This segment discusses using and combating objections during discovery and evidence depositions, and also explores the use of a deposition abstract to organize witness testimony.
Yvonne M. O’Connor, Rusin Maciorowski & Friedman, Chicago
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Jury Selection
Jury selection is an important part of the judicial process. Learn to identify which types of people you prefer in a jury and how to question them during the selection process.
Stephen D. Phillips, Phillips Law Office, Chicago
10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Opening Statements
This presentation discusses a number of opening statement issues – from how to appeal to your jury and using exhibits during the opening statement, to remembering what you intend to prove (and proving it!) throughout the trial.
Ronald W. Kalish, Steinberg Goodman & Kalish, Chicago
11:00 – 11:15 a.m. Break (beverages provided)
11:15 – 11:45 a.m. Foundation for Getting in your Evidence
In order for evidence to be admitted at trial, the attorney must first lay the foundation. Gain a better understanding of how to effectively lay foundations for documentary evidence, medical records (including bills and statements), tape recordings, photos, diagrams/reconstructions, and business records. Impeachment and refreshing a recollection are also examined.
Bridget C. Duignan, Latherow Law Office, Chicago
Bradley N. Pollock, Walsh Knippen Knight & Pollock, Chtd., Wheaton
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Expert Witnesses and Lay Witnesses, including your Clients
This segment examines the use of experts and witnesses during a trial, including their presentation, foundation, qualification, hypotheticals, and cross-examination. Analysis of ILSCR 213 is discussed.
John R. Bailen, Bruce Farrel & Dorn and Associates, Chicago
Kevin T. Veugeler, The Healy Law Firm, Chicago
12:15 – 12:30 p.m. Demonstrative and Real Evidence
Whether demonstrative or real, evidence is the key to winning any trial. This overview discusses the use of progressive videos as evidence; wrongful death documentaries; recreating events as evidence; and effectively using what has been introduced to the jury.
Panos T. Topalis, Tribler Orpett & Meyer, P.C., Chicago
12:30 – 12:45 p.m. Preserving the Record for Appeal
Learn how to preserve the record for appeal with this informative segment. Topics include: ensuring the appealable issues have been documented by the Appellate Court; presenting objections; moving to strike; holding discussions away from the jury; offers of proof; avoiding reversible error; and waiver of appellate issues.
Michael McCutcheon, Baker & McKenzie, Chicago
12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Panel Discussion: Ethical Considerations Regarding the Submission of Evidence and Trial Tactics*
Using the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct as its basis, this panel presentation examines various hypotheticals as they relate trial cases. The line between being civil to the opposing party and crossing ethical boundaries in the production/withholding of evidence is also discussed.
Robert M. Karton, Robert M. Karton, Ltd., Chicago
Hon. Thomas V. Lyons II, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago
*Professional Responsibility MCLE credit subject to approval