You're just weeks away from litigating your first civil trial. And, like many new attorneys, you find you have more questions than answers as you face the challenge of how to be successful in the courtroom. You're seeking a way to quickly sharpen your trial skills and minimize your stress so you can walk into court confident and prepared.

This practical introduction will give you hands-on solutions that will quickly improve all the critical aspects of your performance as a civil litigator - little-known methods they didn't teach you in law school. Get up to speed fast on how to effectively handle every surprise and setback in the trial, from start to finish, without blinking an eye. Don't miss this opportunity to benefit from the experience of seasoned attorneys who have shared their secrets to being the best, no matter how tough the opposition. Thoroughly prepare for trial so you can prevail in the courtroom. Follow crucial courtroom protocol in order to avoid embarrassment. Select the right jury for your case, cross-examine witnesses and use many more techniques that will take the pressure off you in your first trial - and ensure you conduct yourself like a veteran attorney.

1. Plan and Prepare for Trial
2. Know Protocol When You Arrive in Court
3. Select the Right Jury for Your Case
4. Win With the Most Successful Litigation Strategies
5. Avoid Common Ethical Pitfalls
6. Be Ready for Anything That Happens in Court

1. PLAN AND PREPARE FOR TRIAL
   9:00 - 10:00, Michael T. Norris and Thomas P. Slater
   1. Know the Types of Civil Litigation Cases
   2. How to Select a Case and Choose a Theme
   3. Add "Persuasion Power" to Initial Pleadings and Motions
   4. Understand the Basics of Effective Discovery
   5. Are You Making the Most of Depositions?
   6. Tips for Selecting Evidence and Preparing Exhibits
   7. Outline and Create a Successful Trial Strategy
   8. Checklist - What to Bring with You to Court
   9. Tactics for Preparing Witnesses for Trial
2. KNOW PROTOCOL WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN COURT
   10:00 - 10:45, Michael T. Norris and Thomas P. Slater
   1. How a Case Moves Through Court
   2. When to Stand and When to Sit
   3. Avoid Common Mistakes Made by New Attorneys
   4. The Strategies of Seasoned Litigators - Revealed
   5. Jury vs. Bench Trials: What's the Difference?
3. SELECT THE RIGHT JURY FOR YOUR CASE
   11:00 - 12:00, Michael T. Norris and Thomas P. Slater
   1. Voir Dire: Know What You're Doing!
   2. FAQs About Jury Questionnaires
   3. A Crash Course on Jury Instructions
4. WIN WITH THE MOST SUCCESSFUL LITIGATION STRATEGIES
   1:00 - 2:00, Michael T. Norris and Thomas P. Slater
   1. Deliver an Opening Statement That Grabs the Jury
   2. Get Your Evidence In and Keep the Opposition's Out
   3. Winning Direct Examination Techniques
   4. What Not to Do When in Cross-Examination of Witnesses
   5. How and When to Object
   6. Persuade Every Juror with a Can't-Miss Closing Argument
   7. Your Job When the Verdict Is Announced
   8. How Damages Are Calculated In Civil Suits
   9. Skillfully Handle Post-Trial Issues
      1. Your Options When Collecting Judgments
      2. Procedures for Appealing Jury Verdicts
5. AVOID COMMON ETHICAL PITFALLS
   2:15 - 3:15, Michael T. Norris and Thomas P. Slater
   1. Rules of Professional Conduct You Must Follow
   2. What You Need to Know About Advocates
   3. Your Obligation to Keep Your Client Informed
   4. Use Meritorious Claims and Contentions for Your Client's Benefit
   5. Candor Toward the Tribunal: Avoid False Statements at All Cost!
6. BE READY FOR ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN COURT
   3:15 - 4:30, Michael T. Norris and Thomas P. Slater
   1. How the Best of the Best Handle Surprises
   2. When and How to Make Modifications During Trial
   3. Project Confidence When Things Go Wrong

MICHAEL T. NORRIS is a partner in the Des Moines law firm of Slater & Norris, P.L.C. His areas of practice include medical malpractice, personal injury and workers' compensation. Mr. Norris completed his undergraduate studies at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa and earned his J.D. degree from Drake University Law School. He is currently admitted to practice in the State of Iowa, as well as the United States District Court for the Southern and Northern districts of Iowa. Mr. Norris is a member of both the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association.

THOMAS P. SLATER is a plaintiff attorney at the law firm of Slater & Norris, P.L.C., where he practices in the areas of medical malpractice and personal injury-plaintiff. He was a guest lecturer at Des Moines University for medical students on medical care issues and has spoken at Midwestern University in Phoenix on informed consent and record keeping. Mr. Slater earned his B.A. degree from Central College and his J.D. degree from Drake University. He is a member of the American Association for Justice, the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association and The Iowa State Bar Association (litigation section).

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