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 - 10:45, Christina A. Stoneburner
   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
   11:00 - 12:30, Michael F. Martino
   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
   1:30 - 3:15, Scott B. Piekarsky
   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, Scott B. Piekarsky
   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

MICHAEL F. MARTINO is a partner in the Livingston law firm of Stein, McGuire, Pantages & Gigl, LLP, where his main areas of practice are commercial litigation and personal injury defense. He is board certified in civil trial law by the New Jersey Supreme Court. Mr. Martino is on the Board of Directors in the Paralegal Program at Fairleigh Dickinson University at the Madison, New Jersey campus. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey and New York. Mr. Martino earned his B.A. degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his J.D. degree from Rutgers University. He is a member of the New Jersey State and American bar associations and a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only trial lawyer association. Since 2005, Mr. Martino has been named as one of New Jersey's Super Lawyers in the area of civil litigation.

SCOTT B. PIEKARSKY is a partner in the Wyckoff law firm of Piekarsky & Associates, LLC, where he practices in the areas of professional liability, insurance law, general negligence, small business representation, real estate law and condominium law. Mr. Piekarsky frequently lectures to various professional groups and has written articles on legal malpractice, condominium law and ethical issues. He is a member of the Bergen County, New Jersey State and American bar associations, the New Jersey Defense Association and the Defense Research Institute. He is a former barrister with the Pashman American Inn of Court. Mr. Piekarsky also is a member of Justice Robert Clifford Inn of Court (master) and certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney. He earned his B.S. degree, magna cum laude, from Ramapo College of New Jersey and his J.D. degree from Seton Hall University School of Law.

CHRISTINA A. STONEBURNER is a partner with the Roseland law firm of Fox Rothschild, LLP, where she devotes her practice to employment litigation. Ms. Stoneburner earned her B.B.A. degree from Ohio University and her J.D. degree from Tulane University School of Law. She is a member of the Essex County Bar Association and the New Jersey State Bar Association.

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