The clock is ticking…and while you have meticulously planned out every detail up until this point, everything will continue to become more and more chaotic up until the day of trial. Ask any successful paralegal what the two key elements of trial preparation are, and they'll tell you this: organization and flexibility. When put to the test, are your skills everything they should be? Let us help you take a closer look at the specialized realm of paralegal responsibilities leading up to trial right from the convenience of your desk. Your role is important, so take the next step toward maximizing your effectiveness. Make sure you can confidently fulfill your key trial responsibilities – order these vital reference materials today!

1. Useful Discovery for Trial
2. Creating a Trial Notebook
3. Preparing Your Witnesses
4. Effective Use of Evidence
5. Preparing Your Office - What to do Before You set Foot in Court
6. Succeeding at Trial

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. USEFUL DISCOVERY FOR TRIAL
   9:00 - 10:00, Becky L. Snyder and Tina M. Ziegler
   1. The Complaint
   2. Requests for Admission, Requests for Production and Interrogatories
   3. Bates Numbering
   4. Digesting, Abstracting and Indexing Depositions
2. CREATING A TRIAL NOTEBOOK
   10:00 - 11:00, Becky L. Snyder and Tina M. Ziegler
   1. Advantages and Disadvantages of a Litigation vs. Chronological Notebook
   2. Key Sections and Their Development
   3. Cross-Referencing
3. PREPARING YOUR WITNESSES
   11:15 - 12:15, Becky L. Snyder and Tina M. Ziegler
   1. Creating Witness Lists
   2. Trial vs. Deposition Preparation
   3. How Preparation Varies Between Clients, Non-Expert Witnesses and Experts
4. EFFECTIVE USE OF EVIDENCE
   1:15 - 2:15, Becky L. Snyder and Tina M. Ziegler
   1. Choosing Your Technological Direction
   2. The Power of the Exhibit List
   3. Preparing Documents and Demonstratives
5. PREPARING YOUR OFFICE - WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU SET FOOT IN COURT
   2:15 - 3:15, Becky L. Snyder and Tina M. Ziegler
1. Choosing ON-Site Location
2. Preparation of and Set-Up of On-Site Work-Room
3. Preparing for Court
4. Daily Recap and Preparing for What's Ahead
6. SUCCEEDING AT TRIAL
   3:30 - 4:30, Becky L. Snyder and Tina M. Ziegler
   1. What if You Don't Go to Trial?
   2. Court Rules and Practices You Need to Know About
   3. Differences Between Federal vs. Local or County Court
   4. Assisting With Jury Selection
   5. Tips for Working in the Courtroom
      1. Anticipating the Needs of Your Attorney
      2. Working With Opposing Counsel, Court Staff and the Judge
   6. Surviving the Trial

BECKY L. SNYDER is the paralegal to partner Vincent M. Creta, Esq., at the law firm of Hammerman & Hultgren, P.C., in Phoenix, Arizona, which specializes in collection law. She started with the firm in August 2010, coming from in-house counsel for an insurance company. Prior to that, she worked for a private plaintiff's firm, specializing in civil torts. She earned her associates degree in paralegal studies from Phoenix College, graduating in May 2007; and is currently studying to take the NALA Certified Paralegal Exam in July 2012. Ms. Snyder is highly skilled in preparing all documentation in cases from start to finish, including complaints, answers, disclosure statements, discovery requests and responses, and has prepared many matters for mediation, arbitration and trial, including the preparation of clients and expert witnesses for testimony. She has extensive knowledge in the areas of collection, insurance defense, insurance subrogation, medical malpractice, product liability and personal injury law.

TINA M. ZIEGLER is the senior paralegal at the law firm of Hammerman & Hultgren, P.C., in Phoenix, Arizona, which specializes in collection law. She has worked for the firm since October 1994 and is the paralegal to the senior partner, Stanley M. Hammerman. Ms. Ziegler also oversees the paralegal department, managing three paralegals and two legal assistants. While working at Hammerman & Hultgren, she earned her associates degree in legal assisting from Phoenix College, graduating summa cum laude, in May 1995. She went on to obtain her bachelor's degree in applied sciences from Arizona State University, graduating summa cum laude, in December 2002. Ms. Ziegler has prepared many cases for trial over the years and personally assisted Mr. Hammerman with a large document jury trial in July 2007 and a $1 million counterclaim defense jury trial in July 2010. She provides in-house training for the firm and has also spoken at various seminars over the last ten years.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com