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To claim CLE credit, view by: March 13, 2025
Depending on the jurisdiction in which you practice, you may or may not be able to claim credit for viewing this on demand seminar. Please check with your licensing agency for accreditation information.
Originally presented: February 23, 2023 | Course length: 6.0 hours
Preparing for a trial is both an art and a science, and preparation is the key to being successful. There are many approaches to trial preparation, but this course will focus on tried-and-true methods from some of the most experienced and successful litigators and judges. Our faculty will provide helpful tips and best practices to get you started and to give you a roadmap for even the most complex cases. Whether it’s your first trial or whether you are a veteran litigator, this course will take you through the entire process of trial preparation and teach you the keys to effective trial advocacy. Topics include:
Welcome & Announcements (5 MINUTES)
– Archana Nath
Preparing for Trial – Trial Prep Logistics for Getting Started, Preparing Your Team and Making Your Plans (40 MINUTES)
Learn how to start and continue your preparations for trial, including creating your drive sheet and trial notebook, using your trial team, planning trial tasks, preparing evidence, and using technology to your advantage.
– Archana Nath
Developing Your Case Theme (30 MINUTES)
Learn the importance of developing a case theme or theory. This session will show you how to promote your theme using evidence (witnesses and exhibits), demonstratives, motions, and opening and closing arguments. Also, learn how to defend your theme against attacks from the opposition.
– Faris A. Rashid
Preparing Your Opening and Closing Arguments – How to Strengthen Your Credibility with the Judge and the Jury (60 MINUTES)
Preparing your opening and closing arguments in advance provides a roadmap to follow for the trial. This session will provide helpful advice and tips to help you strengthen your credibility and deliver winning arguments.
– Nathan H. Bjerke, Kathy S. Kimmel & Judge John R. Tunheim
Preparing an Effective Voir Dire Strategy – What You Should Never Ask (50 MINUTES)
Learn what you must ask, what you should ask and what you should never ask. This session will provide best practices and tips for preparing for an effective voir dire. Also, we’ll have a brief discussion regarding jury instructions and special verdict forms.
– Bryce M. Miller
Preparing Your Evidence and Pre-Trial Motions – How to Focus Your Motion Responses to Best Educate the Court (45 MINUTES)
Learn how to choose the right exhibits and create effective demonstratives. Also, this session will provide tips and best practices for bringing and defending motions in limine with a focus on objectives, topics, uses and pitfalls.
– Elizabeth (Lisa) C. Henry & Francis J. Rondoni
Preparing the Witness to Present Their Best Case at Trial (45 MINUTES)
Learn how to focus on important issues and favorably impress the judge or jury. How to deal with strong versus weak witnesses. How to get them to tell the story you are looking for and how to prepare to defend against opposing counsel’s attacks. Also, learn some key tips for working with experts.
– Randall E. Kahnke & Cicely R. Miltich
10 Keys to Successfully Prepare for Direct and Cross Examinations (45 MINUTES)
You have prepped your trial witnesses, and now you must develop your strategy for examining your witnesses and the opposition’s witnesses at trial. This session will provide tips for preparing an effective direct and cross examination strategy. We will also discuss special considerations when examining expert witnesses and best practices for handling difficult witnesses. Further, learn important tips on court decorum by attorneys, their clients, and witnesses during trial.
– Judge Mark R. Ireland & Judge Sophia Y. Vuelo
Special Considerations When Preparing for an Online Trial – Perfecting the Art of Zoom Litigation (45 MINUTES)
Because of its convenience and access, litigating by Zoom is most likely here to stay, at least in some form. However, litigating on Zoom is different than in person. Learn practical tips and best practices to become more comfortable and familiar with the process and to ensure that your next initial hearing, deposition, motion hearing, mediation, or trial is productive and effective.
– Casey D. Marshall
$245
Other discounts that may apply:
Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.
Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 6.0 standard CLE credits. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.
Minnesota CLE also has applied to the Minnesota State Bar Association for 6.0 civil trial specialist credits.
Depending on the jurisdiction in which you practice, you may or may not be able to claim credit for viewing this on demand seminar. Please check with your licensing agency for accreditation information.
