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, D. Scott Hurley
   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, D. Scott Hurley
   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, Jim Catalano
   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, Jim Catalano
   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

JIM CATALANO is a partner in the Nashville office of Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, PLLC, where his civil practice focuses on defending and counseling both individual and business clients in the areas of transportation litigation, construction law, food and beverage liability, and premises liability. Mr. Catalano has been certified as a civil trial specialist by both the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education. Aside from his litigation practice, he is also a Rule 31 listed general civil mediator and a member of the Federal Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Panel for the Middle District of Tennessee. Mr. Catalano is a member of the Nashville and Tennessee bar associations, Defense Research Institute (DRI), the Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA), Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association (TDLA), the American Law Firm Association (ALFA) and the Federal Bar Association (FBA). He earned his B.A. degree from William Jewell College and his J.D. degree from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University. Mr. Catalano was included in the Nashville Business Journal's "Best of the Bar 2008."

D. SCOTT HURLEY is the principal shareholder in The Hurley Law Firm, P.C., in Knoxville, Tennessee. His practice focuses on civil litigation, including catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, commercial and probate litigation. Mr. Hurley has been a frequent speaker on evidence, expert testimony, direct and cross examination techniques, witness preparation, jury selection and damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He earned his B.A. degree from Lincoln Memorial University and his J.D. degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Mr. Hurley is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association, and is a member of the Judicial Committee. He is also a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, the Tennessee Association for Justice, the American Association for Justice, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and a fellow with the Litigation Council of America.

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