8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Registration / Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Jury Analysis and Selection - Choose the Right Audience
A. What Kind of Jury to Look (and Look Out) for B. Juror Questions – How to ask Difficult Questions and Get Truthful Answers C. Sample Voir Dire Techniques D. Peremptory Challenges and Challenges for Cause E. Using Litigation Support Services – Focus Groups, Jury Research Groups, Mock Trial
Atty. Martin E. Kohler
9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Opening Statements – Tell a Compelling Story
A. The Purposes of Opening Statement B. Communicate your Theme Effectively C. Evoke Emotion and get the Interest of the Jury from the Beginning – Common Techniques D. Clearly Lay Out the Plot of the Case E. Identify the Participates and give Brief Analysis of their Character F. Introduce Applicable Laws G. Reinforce your Case Theme H. Leave Listeners with a Favorable Impression
Atty. John E. Machulak
10:45 - 11:00 a.m. BREAK
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
20 Tips to Enhance Your Mastery of the Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication in the Court Room
Atty. Thomas Brown
11:45 - 12:30 p.m.
Skillful Use of Objections from Jury Selection to Closing Argument
A. Preparation B. When to Object – Purpose, Evidentiary Basis and Other Tactical Considerations C. How to Object D. Should you Object during your Opponent’s Opening Statement and Closing Arguments? E. Countering Objections
Atty. Alex Flynn
12:30 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch (will be provided)
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Getting the Best Out of Witness Examination
A. Direct Examination Techniques 1. Witness Introduction - Establish Credibility and Qualifications in Court 2. Making the Testimony Clear - Organization and Conversational Manner 3. Making the Testimony Persuasive – Help the Witness tell the Story an Emphasize the Strong Parts 4. Style – Relating to Witness and Jury 5. Special Considerations in Direct Examination of Expert Witnesses 6. Redirect Examination 7. Sample Direct Examination Transcript Analysis B. Cross-Examination Methods 1. How to Prepare for Witnesses’ Testimony and Potential Objections 2. Organization 3. Framing the Questions and Limiting the Response 4. Prior Inconsistent Statements – the What- fors and the How-tos 5. Specific Techniques for Cross-Examining Expert Witnesses 6. Sample Cross-Examination Transcript Analysis
Atty. Alex Flynn
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ethical Considerations
A. Handling Highly Prejudicial Evidence B. Talking to Witnesses Before They Testify C. Identifying and Avoiding Conflicts of Interest D. Responding to Jurors’ Questions During Voir Dire
Atty. Alex Flynn
2:30 - 2:45 p.m. BREAK
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
Maximize the Effectiveness of Your Exhibits
A. Types of Frequently Used Exhibits and Potential Problems in Their Use B. Effective and Dramatic Use of Technology in the Courtroom C. When and How to Present Exhibits D. Limited Admissibility E. Opposing Exhibits – Challenge Admissibility and Minimize Impact
Atty. John E. Machulak
3:30 - 4:15 p.m.
Closing Statements and Final Jury Instructions – Steer the Jury in the Right Direction
A. Goals B. Organize the Discussion to Focus on Issues, Not People C. Address the Other Side’s Case – Not Only Yours D. Address Any Weak Points In Your Theory E. Last Words and Rebuttal F. Style and Delivery G. Commonly Asked Questions
Atty. Martin E. Kohler
