Why you should attend
At this unique and popular program, the masters of the bar and the bench come together to give you their valuable insights on jury trials. There is no better way to learn about jury trials than from the attorneys who try the nation’s most important cases and the judges who preside over them. We have assembled the most experienced and respected state and federal judges, as well as many distinguished litigators, to give you their perspectives on jury trials.
Whether you are just embarking on a career as a trial attorney or are very familiar with the inside of a courtroom, this course will give you unique insights into jury trials and the best way to handle them, from opening statements through closing arguments. Our stellar faculty will provide you with proven strategies and tools to successfully handle every phase of a jury case.
What you will learn
Join the masters of the courtroom to learn about:
- Selecting the best possible jury for your case
- Delivering a persuasive opening statement
- Communicating your strongest case through effective direct examination
- Conducting a successful cross-examination
- Making a compelling closing argument
- Addressing the ethical issues that arise during jury trials
Who should attend
This program is directed toward litigators at all levels of experience and in-house counsel facing the prospect of a jury trial. Litigation support professionals will also find this program of interest.
Special Feature
Get the “View from the Bench” you won’t hear anywhere else: each panel includes the most experienced and respected judges sharing their perspectives on various stages of jury trials.
Please plan to arrive with enough time to register before the conference begins. A networking breakfast will be available upon your arrival.
Morning Session: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
9:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
Paul C. Saunders
9:15 Selecting the Best Possible Jury
- Choosing jurors who are sympathetic to your case
- Asking essential questions
- Avoiding impermissible topics
- Exercising challenges wisely
- Establishing rapport and credibility
Hon. Richard M. Berman, Douglas A. Cawley, Hon. Howard G. Lane, William F. Lee
10:15 Delivering a Persuasive Opening Statement
- Grabbing the jury’s attention - and keeping it
- Developing a theme and telling your story
- The primacy principle
- Getting the jury on your side
- Handling damaging evidence in your opening
- Winning approaches and common mistakes
Hon. Dennis M. Cavanaugh, Morgan Chu, Hon. Shirley Werner Kornreich, John S. Siffert
11:15 Networking Break
11:30 Conducting an Effective Direct and Redirect Examination
- Clearly and forcefully presenting your case on direct
- Secrets to preparing and organizing your direct
- Involving the jury in the story
- Arguing your case through the witness
- Making your witness the star of the show
- When - and when not - to ask questions on redirect
Professor Claudia Angelos, Hon. Denise Cote, Matthew E. Fishbein, Hon. Richard J. Sullivan
12:30 Lunch
Afternoon Session: 1:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
1:45 Handling Ethical Issues in Jury Trials
- Avoiding ethical pitfalls
- Preparing a witness without coaching
- Dealing with a witness whose story seems to change
- Using jury consultants and investigating jurors
Hon. Brian M. Cogan, Hon. John Gleeson, Michael A. Jacobs, Gregory A. Markel
2:45 Mastering the Art of Cross-Examination
- Controlling the courtroom, the witness, and the testimony
- The art of impeachment
- Arguing and reinforcing your case through cross
- Avoiding common mistakes
- Learning and using techniques that work
Hon. Barbara S. Jones, Thomas L. Kirsch II, Hon. Jed S. Rakoff, Stephen D. Susman
3:45 Networking Break
4:00 Making a Compelling Closing Argument
- Using your evidence in the most powerful and effective manner: show, don’t tell, the jury
- Anticipating your adversary’s response
- Weaving in the law
- Preparing and delivering a winning summation
Evan R. Chesler, Hon. Kiyo A. Matsumoto, Hon. Loretta A. Preska, Theodore V. Wells, Jr.
5:00 Adjourn
Chairperson(s)
Speaker(s)
Hon. Richard M. Berman ~ United States District Judge, United States District Court, Southern District of New York
Hon. Brian M. Cogan ~ United States District Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
Hon. Denise Cote ~ United States District Judge, United States District Court, Southern District of New York
Hon. John Gleeson ~ District Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
Hon. Barbara S. Jones ~ United States District Judge, United States District Court, Southern District of New York
Hon. Kiyo Matsumoto ~ United States District Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
Hon. Jed S. Rakoff ~ U.S. District Judge, United States District Court, Southern District of New York
Program Attorney(s)
New York City Seminar Location
PLI New York Center, 810 Seventh Avenue at 53rd Street (21st floor), New York, New York 10019. Message Center, program days only: (212) 824-5733.
New York City Hotel Accommodations
Due to high demand and limited inventory in NYC, we recommend reserving hotel rooms as early as possible.
The New York Hilton & Towers, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019. 1 block from PLI Center. Reservations 1-800-HILTONS or, 1-877-NYC-HILT. Please mention that you are booking a room under the Practising Law Institute Corporate rate and the Client File # is N495741. Reservations on line at www.hilton.com and enter the same Client File # in the Corporate ID # field to access Practising Law Institute rates.
The Warwick New York Hotel, 65 West 54th Street New York, NY 10019. 1 block from PLI Center. Reservations 800-223-4099 or, hotel direct 212-247-2700. Please mention that you are booking a room under the Practising Law Institute Corporate rate. Reservations on line at www.warwickhotelny.com Click reservations in menu bar on left. Select desired dates. In 'Special Rates' drop down window select Corporate Rate. In 'Rate Code' enter PLIN. Click search and select desired room type and rate plan. Or, you may email reservation requests to: res.ny@warwickhotels.com
PLI's live programs are approved in all states that require mandatory continuing legal education for attorneys, except Arizona. Please be sure to check with your state for details.
Please check the CLE Calculator above each product description for CLE information specific to your state.
Special Note: In New York, newly admitted attorneys may receive CLE credit only for attendance at "transitional" programs during their first two years of admission to the Bar. Non-traditional course formats such as on-demand web programs or recorded items, are not acceptable for CLE credit. Experienced attorneys may choose to attend and receive CLE credit for either a transitional course or for one geared to experienced attorneys. All product types, including on-demand web programs and recorded items, are approved for experienced attorneys.
Please note: The State Bar of Arizona does not approve or accredit CLE activities for the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education requirement.
If you have already received credit for attending some or the entire program, please be aware that state administrators do not permit you to accrue additional credit for repeat viewing even if an additional credit certificate is subsequently issued.
Credit will be granted only to the individual on record as the purchaser unless alternative arrangements (prearranged groupcast) are made in advance.