Training Course Syllabus:

Gain the practical skills needed to improve your personal injury practice.

Do you have what it takes to win? You might know the basics of the legal process, but a more in-depth understanding is necessary for true success. At our one-day seminar, learn practical skills - that go beyond the basics - to provide your clients with the most thorough and effective representation for a favorable outcome.

• Learn how to settle every lien in a personal injury case and avoid further litigation.
• Do you have a Plan B? Prepare from the onset to take your case to trial if settlement negotiations fail.
• What they don't teach you in law school: learn the “tricks of the trade” from experienced faculty and apply them to your next case.
• Save time with our sample demand packets, settlement letters and mediations statements.
• Use these case preparation tips to develop a cohesive strategy that will take you from initial client interview to favorable settlement.
• Build a foundation for settlement: reach a reasonable damage assessment supported by evidence and legal precedent.
• Learn how to assess loss of life damages by walking through a sample case.
• Use traditional and emerging negotiation techniques to promote a favorable settlement.
• Select key evidence and draft summaries to build a powerful and persuasive arbitration submission package.

1. BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR YOUR CASE
   9:00 - 9:45, Written by Daniel S. Chamberlain. Presented by George S. Ivancevich in Merrillville and
   Daniel S. Chamberlain in Indianapolis.
   1. Developing Case Strategy Through Preparation
   2. Things to Consider When Evaluating the Issue of Liability
   3. Supporting Your Theory With Winning Discovery Techniques
      1. Informal Discovery
      2. Written Discovery
      3. Preparing for Depositions
   4. Assembling Demonstrative Evidence
2. UNDERSTANDING THE LAW OF DAMAGES
   9:45 - 10:45, Written by Daniel S. Chamberlain. Presented by David S. Gladish in Merrillville and
   Daniel S. Chamberlain in Indianapolis.
   1. Evaluating All Types of Damages
   2. An Overview of Plaintiffs' Damages
   3. Damages for Wrongful Death and Loss of Life
   4. Other Factors to be Considered When Assessing Damages
   5. Use of Jury Consultants and Focus Groups/Mock Trial
3. USING TRADITIONAL AND ADR SETTLEMENT TECHNIQUES
   11:00 - 12:00, Written by Miriam A. Rich. Presented by Jeffrey W. Clymer in Merrillville and
   Miriam A. Rich in Indianapolis.
   1. Pre-Suit Attempts at Settlement
   2. Document Preparation for Various Types of Settlements
   3. Effective Negotiation Techniques at the Settlement Conference
   4. How to Turn Body Language Into a Negotiation Tool
   5. Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques
4. MANAGING LIENS IN PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENTS
   1:00 - 2:00, Written by Jennifer M. Lute Costella. Presented by Jeffrey W. Clymer in Merrillville and
   Jennifer M. Lute Costella in Indianapolis.
   1. Understanding Common Statutory Provisions
   2. Handling Subrogation as it Applies to:
      1. Third Party Settlements
      2. Workers' Compensation
      3. UM/UIM Coverage
      4. ERISA
      5. Veterans Administration
      6. Medicare
      7. Medicaid
   3. Other Subrogation Considerations
   4. Offsets and Reimbursements
   5. “Made Whole” Doctrine
5. TAKING THE PERSONAL INJURY CASE TO TRIAL
   2:00 - 3:15, Written by George Hoffman III. Presented by George S. Ivancevich in Merrillville and
   George Hoffman III in Indianapolis.
   1. Preparation of Your Case for Trial
   2. Strategic Jury Selection: Voir Dire and Jury Questionnaires
   3. The Art of a Compelling Opening Statement
   4. When and How to Present the Evidence
   5. Delivering an Effective Direct Examination
   6. Cross-Examination of Witnesses
   7. Proving Economic and Non-Economic Damages
   8. Delivering a Powerful Closing Argument
   9. Post-Trial Relief
6. MAINTAINING AN ETHICAL PERSONAL INJURY PRACTICE
   3:30 - 4:30, Written by George Hoffman III. Presented by David S. Gladish in Merrillville and
   George Hoffman III in Indianapolis.
   1. Following the Rules of Professional Conduct
   2. Maintaining Confidentiality
   3. Pitfalls to Avoid When Representing Multiple Claims
   4. Declining or Terminating Representation
   5. Contacts With Persons Other Than Clients
   6. Settling the Question of Legal Fees
   7. Avoiding Legal Malpractice in Personal Injury Actions
   8. Our Tarnished Image as a Profession

Seminar Summary:

At our one-day seminar, learn practical skills - that go beyond the basics - to provide your clients with the most thorough and effective representation for a favorable outcome. (see full course description)

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