Training Course Syllabus:

Learn What the Civil Court Judges Want You to Know to be a Better Advocate

Knowing what your judge expects will help you navigate your case through court without detrimental bumps and hiccups. That's why we've gathered the local civil court judges to tell you up front what the rules and expectations in their courtrooms are. Take the opportunity to ask your questions and hear what other attorneys may struggle with. Up your litigation game - register today!

• Hear first-hand about the judges' pet peeves and preferences.
• Find out how you can speed up your case and promote settlement.
• Learn when to resolve issues on your own and when to involve the judge.
• Clarify the rules of evidence as they're applied in specific situations.
• Identify unacceptable litigation tactics that can get you sanctioned.
• Avoid common mistakes in discovery, pre-trial conferences and trial presentation.
• Make your interactions with the judge positive and effective.

Morning Session - 9:00 - 12:00
Panelists: Hon. Abraham Khan, Hon. Mark V. Mooney, Hon. Norman P. Tarle, Hon. Bobbi Tillmon
Moderator: Lars C. Johnson

1. Navigating the Local Civil Court Procedure: Concrete Rules and Unwritten Etiquette
2. Initial Pleadings: Laying out the Legal and Factual Issues of the Case
3. Answers to Common Questions Asked in Case Conferences
4. Case Scheduling: Fast-Tracking Options and Handling Conflicts and Delays
5. Summary Judgment Motions and Hearings
6. Cooperation Between Counsel
7. Judges' View of Discovery
   1. Common Discovery Dispute Issues
   2. When You Should and Should Not Make Objections
   3. What is Appropriate for a Privilege Log
   4. When to Use a Motion to Compel
   5. How to Avoid Messing Up the Timing
   6. When are Sanctions a Possibility?
8. Pre-Trial Briefs that Promote Settlement
9. Unacceptable Pre-Trial Litigation Tactics

Afternoon Session - 1:00 - 4:30
Panelists: Hon. Abraham Khan, Hon. Mark V. Mooney, Hon. Norman P. Tarle, Hon. Bobbi Tillmon
Moderator: Lars C. Johnson

10. Seeking the Judge's Guidance Outside of Scheduled Conferences
    1. When is it Appropriate to Contact the Judge or the Clerk?
    2. What Questions are Acceptable?
    3. Is it Ok to Contact the Judge During a Deposition?
11. Jury Selection and Juror Requests: What is Appropriate?
12. Types of Evidence Judges Value Most/Least
13. Witness Selection and Testimony: What Works and What's a Waste of Time for Everyone
14. Legal Ethics (2:45 - 3:45)
    1. The Meaning of "Justice" and the Role of the Judges and Attorneys in Upholding it
    2. Candor Toward Tribunal
    3. The Duty of Zealous Representation in the Courtroom Setting
    4. How Judges and Lawyers can Work Together to Improve the Justice System
15. Trial Presentation Do's and Don'ts
16. How to Confuse the Jury: Top Mistakes Judges Have Seen
17. Effective Ways of Handling Facts in Controversy at Trial

Seminar Summary:

Knowing what your judge expects will help you navigate your case through court without detrimental bumps and hiccups. (see full course description)

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