The civil court system is a sophisticated machine that offers justice for all. To work properly, however, it requires just as sophisticated an operator – you. Whether you're filing your first or ninetieth case tomorrow, you will find this guide helpful. Order today to get a detailed examination of where, when and how claims are processed in civil courts, so you can improve your efficiency.

1. The Structure and Overview of the Court System
2. Commencing the Action
3. Responsive Pleadings – What to Use, When and How
4. Non-Compliant Claims and Third-Party Practice
5. The Purpose, Procedure and Strategy of Discovery
6. Motions, Notices and Hearings
7. Wrapping Up – Settlements, Judgments, Appeals and Enforcement
8. Ethical Considerations
9. Practice Tips – Strategies for the New Attorney

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

THE STRUCTURE AND OVERVIEW OF THE COURT SYSTEM
9:00 - 9:30, Raymond I. Booth III

• State vs. Federal Court Practice
• Superior and Probate Court
• Small Claims and Housing
• Complex Litigation
• Administrative/Appellate Court
• Clerk's Office Case Flow

COMMENCING THE ACTION
9:30 - 10:00, Raymond I. Booth III

• Tips for Researching, Writing and Filing the Complaint
• Determining Jurisdiction and Venue
• What to Include in the Prayer for Relief
• Common Questions About Summons/Appearance
• Filing a Proposed Scheduling Order and Meeting the Deadlines

RESPONSIVE PLEADINGS –WHAT TO USE, WHEN AND HOW
10:00 - 10:45, Raymond I. Booth III

• Do You Need Pre-Answer Motions?
• What Can Trigger a Motion to Dismiss
• The Purpose and Process of Request to Revise
• Common Grounds for and Proper Structure of Motion to Strike
• Answer/Special Defense/Reply
• How Much Time do You Have to Plead?
• Amendments Procedure
• Don't Tip Your Hand! Pros and Cons of Using Various Responsive Pleadings

NON-COMPLAINT CLAIMS AND THIRD PARTY PRACTICE
11:00 - 11:45, Katie L. Dearing

• Counterclaim/Crossclaims in Relation to Principal Claims
• How to Use Injunctions and Prejudgment Remedies
• Apportionment Considerations
• Implead/Cite-In/Joinder

THE PURPOSE, PROCEDURE AND STRATEGY OF DISCOVERY
12:45 - 1:30, Katie L. Dearing

• General When/How/Why Considerations Before You Begin
• Interrogatories/Production Requests
• Demand for Disclosure of Defense
• Depositions – Planning, Physical Location, Documentation, Objections and Instructions Not to Answer
• Ensure the Admissions are Usable in Court
• Properly Documenting Objections/Good-Faith Efforts
• Motions to Compel, Quash, and for Protective Order
• Special Expert Disclosure
• Subpoenas and Nonparty Discovery

MOTIONS, NOTICES AND HEARINGS
1:30 - 2:00, Harold H. Catlin

• The Format and Procedure of Motions and Notices
  (Including: Briefs/Signature, How to Format Citations, When to File by Mail/Fax-File/ E-File, Why Certifications of Mailing are Important, Claims/Reclaims and More)
• Notifying of and Appearing at Short Calendars/Special Proceedings
• What's Addressed in Oral Arguments
• Requesting Extensions of Time
• Certificate of Closed Pleadings/Jury Claims
• Do you Need the Pretrial Report Form?

WRAPPING UP – SETTLEMENTS, JUDGMENTS, APPEALS AND ENFORCEMENT
2:00 - 2:45, Harold H. Catlin

• Withdrawals: When, Why and How to do It
• The Purpose, Procedure and Strategy of Offer of Judgment/Stipulated Judgment
• Properly Documenting Defaults/Nonsuits/Military/Opening Not to Jeopardize Your Case
• Hearing in Damages – What Supporting Documentation to Provide
• How to Get a Summary Judgment
• Using Trial and Post-Trial Motions
• Preserving Appellate Issues/Taking Appeals
• Collecting Money Judgments
• Completing the Certificate of Satisfaction

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
3:00 - 4:00, Harold H. Catlin

• The Etiquette of Communicating With Other Litigating Parties
• Protecting Client Confidentiality
• Determining and Collecting Attorneys' Fees/Costs

PRACTICE TIPS – STRATEGIES FOR THE NEW ATTORNEY
4:00 - 4:30, Raymond I. Booth III, Harold H. Catlin and Katie L. Dearing

RAYMOND I. BOOTH III is a sole practitioner in Orange Park, Florida. Mr. Booth's main areas of practice are appellate practice, child and family, civil litigation, criminal appellate, family, general practice, guardianship, marital and family, personal injury, and wills, trusts and estates. He earned his B.S. and J.D. degrees from Florida State University.

HAROLD H. CATLIN is a member of the law firm of Fallgatter Farmand & Catlin, P.A. Mr. Catlin's practice areas include personal injury, wrongful death, products liability, medical malpractice and construction defect litigation. He is a certified Florida civil mediator. Mr. Catlin is a member of the Jacksonville Bar Association (past president; past member, Board of Governors; past president, Young Lawyer Section), The Florida Bar, State Bar of Georgia, Jacksonville Association of Defense Counsel (past president), Trucking Industry Defense Association, Propane Gas Defense Association and the Museum of Science and History (past president). He earned his B.A. degree from Washington and Lee University, his M.B.A. degree from the University of North Florida and his J.D. degree from Mercer University.

KATIE L. DEARING is a shareholder with Liles Gavin Costantino George & Dearing, P.A. Ms. Dearing is an experienced trial and appellate attorney whose practice emphasizes litigation of civil cases in both state and federal courts. She represents national and local businesses and individuals in matters relating to business and commercial litigation, professional malpractice, product liability, contract and insurance disputes and personal injury and wrongful death claims. She earned her J.D. degree, with honors, as well as her undergraduate degree, from the University of Florida, where her strong advocacy and writing skills earned her a position as a teaching assistant for legal research and writing and appellate advocacy. After graduation, Ms. Dearing returned to Jacksonville to serve as an Assistant State Attorney for the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida, where she gained extensive trial experience in the prosecution of complex cases involving the use of forensic evidence, including murder and financial crimes. She is an active member of the Jacksonville Bar Association, where she currently serves on the Board of Governors and is the immediate past president of the Young Lawyers Section. Ms. Dearing also recently served as vice chair of the city of Jacksonville Commission on Ethics. 

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

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Phone: 866-240-1890

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