What are you willing to do to give your civil cases the best chances for success? The sure path to a favorable outcome – no matter if you're a novice or just need a refresher – is having a rock solid foundation in the basics. You'll never have two cases that are exactly the same, so you need to be able to easily manage the day-to-day issues in case something unusual comes your way. How do your civil trial skills stand up? Are you ready to deal with whatever situation arises?

Learn savvy civil practice skills easily! From the comfort of your desk, you'll get the knowledge you need to select the best jury for your case, deliver a compelling case at trial, knowledgeably handle post-trial issues and keep your practice on an even ethical keel. Order today!

1. How to Select the Right Jury for Your Case
2. How to Present Your Case at Trial
3. How to Handle Post-Trial Issues
4. How to Avoid Common Ethical Pitfalls

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT JURY FOR YOUR CASE
   9:00 - 10:30, Bryan L. Bradley and David W. Conover
   1. Preparing for Jury Selection
   2. Uncovering Cultural and Prejudicial Biases
   3. FAQs About Jury Instructions
   4. Making a Connection With Potential Jurors
   5. Uncovering Attitudes, Biases and Values That May Impact Your Case
   6. The Art of Asking the Right Questions
   7. Importance of Active Listening
   8. Preemptory Challenges and Challenges for Cause
   9. Using Jury Surveys and Questionnaires
2. HOW TO PRESENT YOUR CASE AT TRIAL
   10:45 -12:00 and 1:00 - 2:00, David C. Jensen and Barry D. Rooth
   1. Opening Statements - Effectively Delivering the Burden of Proof
   2. Effectively Using Evidence to Support Your Case
   3. Tips and Techniques for Direct Examination
   4. Successful Cross-Examination
   5. How and When to Make Objections
   6. Using Rebuttal to Cast Doubt on the Other Side
   7. Powerful Closing Arguments
3. HOW TO HANDLE POST-TRIAL ISSUES
   2:15 - 3:30, David C. Jensen
   1. Judgment - Where Do You Go From Here?
   2. Motions After the Verdict - What is Allowed in Your State?
   3. Appeals - What Constitutes Requesting a Higher Court's Review?
4. HOW TO AVOID COMMON ETHICAL PITFALLS
   3:30 - 4:30, Thomas C. Higgins
   1. Handling Highly Prejudicial Evidence
   2. Handling Questions of Jurors During Voir Dire
   3. Talking to Witnesses Before They Testify
   4. Identifying and Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

BRYAN L. BRADLEY is a partner in the law firm of Kenneth J. Allen & Associates, P.C., where he practices personal injury litigation with an emphasis in heavy truck accident litigation. He is a member of the Indiana State and Illinois State bar associations, as well as various federal courts. Mr. Bradley earned his B.A. degree from the University of Illinois-Urbana and his J.D. degree from the Valparaiso University School of Law. He is a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.  Mr. Bradley is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars and was a contributing author to "Truck Accident Litigation" which was recently published by the American Bar Association.

DAVID W. CONOVER is an attorney in the Valparaiso law firm of Kenneth J. Allen & Associates, P.C., where he practices in the areas of personal injury litigation, insurance claims/bad faith litigation and insurance coverage litigation, as well as lecturing on these areas. He earned his B.A. degree from Illinois State University and his J.D. degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. Mr. Conover is admitted to practice in Indiana and Illinois. He is a member of the Illinois and Lake County bar associations.

THOMAS C. HIGGINS is an attorney in private practice in Valparaiso, where his practice involves defending clients in civil actions. He has worked for three major insurance carriers in Chicago and Northwest Indiana as in-house counsel. Mr. Higgins has defended Fortune 500 clients and has conducted many first chair jury trials, arbitrations and mediations in Illinois and Indiana. Additionally, he has served as judge pro tem in Lake County, Indiana. Mr. Higgins earned his J.D. degree from John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

DAVID C. JENSEN is senior partner in the law office of Eichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP, where he practices in the areas of litigation, both trial and appellate, with special emphases on professional liability and commercial litigation. He earned his B.A. degree from DePauw University and his J.D. degree from the University of Michigan. Mr. Jensen is a member of the Lake County, Indiana State, Illinois State and American bar associations and a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers International Society of Barristers. He is admitted to practice in Indiana and Illinois, and before the U.S. Federal Court for the Southern and Northern District of Indiana, U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

BARRY D. ROOTH is a founding partner of Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. and has more than 30 years of experience in litigating personal injury and medical malpractice cases in the Indiana and Illinois state and federal courts. Mr. Rooth has also argued cases before the Indiana Court of Appeals and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Lake County Bar Association, Indiana State Bar Association (fellow), Illinois State Bar Association, American Bar Association, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and American Association for Justice. Mr. Rooth earned his B.A. degree from Indiana University at Bloomington and his J.D. degree from Valparaiso University.

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