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

THE STRUCTURE AND OVERVIEW OF THE COURT SYSTEM
9:00 - 9:30, Wendy C. Johnson

• 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, Anthony J. Calamunci

• 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
10:15 - 11:00, C. William Bair

• 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 - 11:30, C. William Bair

• 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
12:30 - 1:15, Anthony J. Calamunci

• 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
1:15 - 2:00, Richard P. Cuneo

• 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
2:15 - 3:00, Wendy C. Johnson

• 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, Richard P. Cuneo

• 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, Panel Discussion, All Speakers

C. WILLIAM BAIR is a member of the Holland law firm of Wagoner & Steinberg, Ltd. Since 1983, he has practiced in the areas of general litigation, including business disputes, risk management for businesses and plaintiff personal injury. He earned his B.S. degree from Bucknell University, his J.D. degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and his master's degree in public health from the University of Michigan. Mr. Bair is a member of the Toledo and Ohio State bar associations. He is a former member of the Grievance Committee of the Toledo Bar Association, a current member of the Fee Arbitration Committee and a current member and past co-chair of the Grievance Investigation Committee.

ANTHONY J. CALAMUNCI is partner-in-charge of the Toledo office of Roetzel & Andress, L.P.A. Mr. Calamunci practices in a wide range of business matters, with a focus on franchise law and franchise litigation. Other areas of practice include health law, white collar crime/criminal defense, shareholder litigation and complex business litigation, as well as government relations experience. Mr. Calamunci's clients include both regional and national franchise companies, one of Ohio's largest automotive retail companies, and he serves as outside litigation counsel for a national drug store and supermarket chain. He is a regular author and presenter in his areas of expertise. Mr. Calamunci earned his B.A. degree from Alfred University and his J.D. degree from Ohio Northern University. He is admitted to practice in Ohio as well as before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Michigan, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Mr. Calamunci is a member of the American, Ohio State, Lucas County and Toledo (member, Professionalism and Business Law committees) bar associations and the American Health Lawyers Association.

RICHARD P. CUNEO, J.D., is a trial attorney with the Perrysburg law firm of Skiver and Associates, LLC. He earned his B.A. degree from Miami University, graduating with a triple major. Mr. Cuneo then secured his J.D. degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. Since 1992, he has represented doctors, hospitals, medical facilities and health care providers in the defense of malpractice actions, as well as members of the transportation industry. Mr. Cuneo is licensed and practices in Michigan, Ohio and the federal courts. Over the years, he has spoken to physicians and health care related personnel regarding medical legal issues. Mr. Cuneo currently is a member of several professional and bar associations, including those of Ohio and Michigan.

WENDY C. JOHNSON is an attorney in the Toledo law firm of Ward, Anderson, Porritt & Bryant, where her practice is concentrated in the areas of insurance negligence, premises liability, trial practice and appellate practice. She earned her B.A. degree from the University of Toledo and her J.D. degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. Ms. Johnson is a member of the Toledo and Ohio State bar associations.

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