Litigation & Appeals

NC Specific

4.77

North Carolina Civil Trial Skills

Credits Available
Credit Status Total
North Carolina CLE Approved 6 Total
OnDemand
5 hours 49 minutes
Alicia Johnson
Michael Litrenta
Mark Kurdys
With Alicia Johnson from Walker Allen + 2 others
Recorded December 14, 2023
Product ID 97465

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Overview

Real-World Insights on Jury Selection, Evidence, Cross-Examination, and More!

Countless hours in building a solid case theme and supporting it with admissible evidence are about to crescendo in the all-or-nothing storytelling contest. Are you ready? In this online seminar, experienced trial attorneys will reveal their hard-won insights and show you how to deliver your side of the case to the decision-makers with clarity, persuasion, and force. Gain the edge with these tried-and-true trial skills - register today!

  • Prepare a trial notebook that provides all the documents and info you need at a moment's notice.
  • Learn how to flush out jurors' true biases and attitudes during voir dire.
  • Discover the recipe for opening statements that resonate with jurors.
  • Get practical pointers on introducing exhibits and responding to objections.
  • Refine your direct and cross-examination skills with tips from veteran trial attorneys.
  • Make the most of your last arguments before the jury head into deliberations.

Abbreviated Agenda

  1. Creating a Trial Notebook - Your Blueprint for Trial
  2. Voir Dire and Jury Selection Tactics
  3. The Secrets to a Powerful Opening Statement
  4. Evidence Presentation, Objections, and Admission
  5. Direct Examination: Top 15 Tips in 30 Minutes
  6. Key Cross-Examination Strategies Every Lawyer Must Know
  7. Closing Arguments and Jury Instructions
  8. Ethics for Trial Lawyers

Related Topics

Product ID 97465

Credit Details

Credits Available
Credit Status Total
North Carolina CLE Approved 6 Total
Select Jurisdiction
CLE

Agenda

All times are shown in

  1. Creating a Trial Notebook - Your Blueprint for Trial

    1. Countdown to Trial: What You Need to Do and When
    2. Traditional vs. Electronic Trial Notebooks
    3. What to Include, What to Exclude, and How to Organize
    4. Developing Key Sections of the Trial Binder
    5. Using the Notebook and Troubleshooting From the Courtroom

  2. Voir Dire and Jury Selection Tactics

    1. The Written and Unwritten Rules of Jury Selection
    2. Juror Questionnaires and Research Tips
    3. How Jurors Think: What You Need to Know
    4. Building Rapport and Getting Jurors Talking
    5. Asking the Right Questions the Right Way
    6. The Big DON'Ts of Voir Dire Questions
    7. Avoiding Socially Desirable Response Bias
    8. Jury Selection Strategy: Who to Strike and How

  3. The Secrets to a Powerful Opening Statement

  4. Evidence Presentation, Objections, and Admission

    1. Rules and Procedures Governing the Introduction and Exclusion of Evidence
    2. Motions in Limine: The Trial Lawyer's Best Friend
    3. Using Documentary Evidence
    4. Spotlight on Email, Social Media, and Smartphone Evidence
    5. Lay and Expert Witness Testimony
    6. Demonstrative and Illustrative Evidence
    7. Hearsay and Other Objections: When to Use Them and How to Respond

  5. Direct Examination: Top 15 Tips in 30 Minutes

  6. Key Cross-Examination Strategies Every Lawyer Must Know

    1. Preparing for the Cross-Examination
    2. Maintaining Control of the Witness and Direction of the Examination
    3. Cross-Examining Experts
    4. Tips for Cross-Examining Difficult and Special Witnesses
    5. Witness Impeachment Tactics

  7. Closing Arguments and Jury Instructions

    1. Do's and Don'ts of Closing Arguments
    2. Organizing Your Closing Arguments
    3. Effectively Using Evidence
    4. Rebutting Arguments and Addressing Bad Facts
    5. Practical Insights on Discussing Damages
    6. Concluding Your Closing
    7. Jury Instructions: Standard and Special

  8. Ethics for Trial Lawyers

    1. Ethical Duties Toward the Tribunal
    2. Ethics of Evidence
    3. Improper Arguments
    4. Communicating With Witnesses
    5. Ex Parte Communications
    6. Juror Investigation, Contact, Bias in Jury Selection, and Jury Tampering

Who Should Attend

This basic-to-intermediate level online seminar is designed for attorneys.

Speakers

Alicia Johnson
Alicia
Johnson
Walker Allen
Michael S Litrenta
Michael S.
Litrenta
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP
Mark C Kurdys
Mark C.
Kurdys
Kurdys Law, PC
Speaker bio
Alicia Johnson

Alicia Johnson

Walker Allen
Alicia Johnson

is an attorney with Walker Allen. Her practice is primarily in general civil litigation, including automobile accident, premises liability and medical malpractice defense. Prior to joining Walker Allen, Ms. Johnson served as an assistant district attorney, where she quickly gained the nickname "Bull Dog" for her tenacious trial practice. She earned her B.A. degree, cum laude, from Virginia Commonwealth University and her J.D. degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

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Speaker bio
Michael S Litrenta

Michael S. Litrenta

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP
Michael Litrenta

serves as Senior Counsel with Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani. Currently, he is licensed to practice in all federal and states courts of North Carolina and South Carolina. Mr. Litrenta is also licensed in all state courts of Florida and Wisconsin. Mr. Litrenta began his legal career as a prosecutor before transitioning to commercial litigation, general liability, and insurance coverage defense work. He is a seasoned litigator, trial attorney, and is passionate about using his experience and skill sets to obtain successful results for his clients. Mr. Litrenta focuses his practice on commercial litigation, construction law and defects, general liability, governmental and municipality liability, premises liability, and transportation matters. With his expertise, he has represented businesses, insurers, and faith-based organizations. Mr. Litrenta has experience teaching multiple classes and has presented on conducting jury selection, litigating evidentiary issues, and trial advocacy. He earned his Juris Doctor from Barry University and his Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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Speaker bio
Mark C Kurdys

Mark C. Kurdys

Kurdys Law, PC
Mark Kurdys

is a solo practitioner in Swannanoa, North Carolina. He has successfully litigated thousands of cases, tried hundreds, and managed dozens of appeals in his career of more than 40 years in Detroit, Michigan; Charlotte, Asheville; and now Swannanoa, North Carolina. Mr. Kurdys's practice focus is commercial/business litigation, construction, real estate disputes, medical and other professional liability, wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury, product liability, transportation liability, insurance coverage, and family law. He is also a certified superior court mediator, and an author and presenter of continued legal education programs focused on civil trial practice skills, evidence and professionalism. Mr. Kurdys attended the University of Michigan and the University of Toledo College of Law.

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