Agenda / Content Covered

All times are shown in Eastern time

1. Hostile, Arguing, Explaining, and Know-it-All Witnesses
   11:00 - 11:30, James M. Susag
2. Evasive, Forgetful, Mistaken, Exaggerating, and Lying Witnesses
   11:30 - 12:00, James M. Susag
3. Sympathetic, Vulnerable, and Child Witnesses
   12:15 - 12:45, Zachary B. Pyers
4. Medical Expert Depositions and Cross-Examination
   12:45 - 1:15, Tracy N. Tool
5. Deposing and Cross-Examining Mental Health Experts
   1:15 - 1:45, Zachary B. Pyers
6. Economic and Vocational Experts
   2:15 - 2:45, James M. Susag
7. Technical and Scientific Experts
   2:45 - 3:15, Zachary B. Pyers
8. Corporate and Government Representative Depositions
   3:15 -3:45, Tracy N. Tool
9. Eyewitness and Character Witness Depositions and Cross-Examination
   4:00 - 4:30, Mark West
10. Surprise and Turncoat Witness Cross-Examination
    4:30 - 5:00, Tracy N. Tool
11. Legal Ethics
    5:00 - 6:00, Mark West
    1. Professionalism and Civility
    2. Witness Preparation vs. Coaching
    3. Candor and Fairness
    4. Ethical Considerations When Using Social Media to Collect Information
    5. Communicating With Witnesses Before Depositions and Trial
    6. Ethics Issues for Remote Depositions
    7. Preserving Confidential and Privileged Information

Accreditation Details:

ZACHARY B. PYERS is a partner in the Columbus, Ohio, office of Reminger Co., L.P.A., and is licensed to practice in Ohio, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. His practice focuses on civil litigation, including complex litigation, corporate and commercial litigation, professional liability, and general liability. Mr. Pyers has represented numerous professions in professional liability claims, including attorneys, accountants, architects, engineers, surveyors, builders, insurance agents, and investment advisors. He is an adjunct professor at Capital University Law School, where he teaches courses in depositions, e-discovery, and the school's mock trial competition team. Mr. Pyers earned his LL.M. degree in business at Capital University Law School. He earned his B.B.A. degree from Ohio University and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Capital University Law School.

JAMES M. SUSAG is a shareholder with Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren Ltd., in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since 1995, his commercial and real estate litigation trial practice has focused on franchise; dealer and contract disputes; and real estate, construction, and land use. He has extensive first chair litigation experience representing clients in numerous jury and court trials, domestic and international arbitrations, administrative proceedings, and appeals. Mr. Susag is a member of the Minnesota State, Hennepin County, and Ramsey County bar associations; the American Bar Association's Forum on Franchising; and the International Franchise Association. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th, 4th, and 8th circuits. Mr. Susag earned his B.A. degree, summa cum laude, from the University of St. Thomas; and his J.D. degree, summa cum laude, from William Mitchell College of Law.

TRACY N. TOOL is a partner with the law firm of Bye, Goff & Rohde, Ltd., serving Wisconsin and Minnesota. Since 1990, Mr. Tool has focused his practice in the areas of plaintiff's personal injury litigation, nursing home malpractice, wrongful death, employment litigation, and civil rights litigation. He is board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a civil trial specialist. Mr. Tool earned his B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. degree from the University of Minnesota Law School. He is a member of the St. Croix Valley, Ramsey County, and Hennepin County bar associations; and the Wisconsin Association of Justice.

MARK WEST is a sole practitioner in San Gabriel where he practices in plaintiff personal injury and wrongful death, products liability law, medical malpractice, and business civil litigation. He has published several articles and frequently lectures. Mr. West is admitted to practice in the Northern, Central and Southern U.S. District courts in California; and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, along with the Supreme Court of the United States. He has also been admitted pro hac vice in the state and U.S. District Court for Nevada and the U.S. District Court for Minnesota. He is a member of the American and Los Angeles County bar associations, the State Bar of California, the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, the Consumer Attorneys of California (past legislative district coordinator), and the American Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. West earned his B.S. degree from New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University) and his J.D. degree from Southwestern University School of Law.