Fred Lane’s Trial Techniques Institute – Fall Semester 2026

Improve your trial skills in this “learn-by-doing” program that covers all phases of trial work from both a plaintiff/prosecutor and defendant’s viewpoint, in both civil and criminal cases. Through this course, you will learn and practice new trial techniques that are most effective and consistent with the Illinois Rules of Evidence and the Federal Rules of Evidence. Each session is audio-video taped so you can see and hear the improvements in your voice, manner, and trial technique. The course has been proven to be of value whether your practice includes trying jury and non-jury cases, administrative hearings, arbitrations, or even mediations. Fall Semester topics include:

• An overview of the principles of communication, argument and persuasion on behalf of the plaintiff/prosecutor and defendant.
• Jury Selection
• Making winning Opening Statements/Closing Arguments to the jury in various type of cases, such as:
• Personal Injury Case (Motor vehicle malpractice, product liability, attractive nuisance, federal employers’ liability, wrongful death, suits against municipalities, dram shops, airline cases, etc.)
• Contract Cases (Goods, wares and merchandise, breach of contract, real estate broker’s commission, and life insurance)
• Special Actions (Will contests, assault and battery, slander, malicious prosecution, false arrest and imprisonment)

 Register here.