Agenda / Content Covered

All times are shown in Central time

Morning Session 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Panel Members: Hon. Kevin S. Burke, Hon. Thomas S. Fraser, Hon. Thomas A. Gilligan Jr., and Hon. Daniel C. Moreno
Moderator: James M. Susag

1. Recent Developments in State Evidentiary Laws
2. Obtaining, Requesting and Spoliation of Evidence
3. How to Prepare and Win Your Discovery Motion
4. Demonstrative Evidence vs. Demonstrative Exhibits
5. Expert Evidence and Gatekeeping: Effective Use and Defense of Daubert Motions
6. Pretrial Conferences/Statements and Issues Involving Late Disclosure of Evidence
7. Effective Use of Motions in Limine on Evidentiary Issues
8. Handling Voir Dire
9. Submitting and Objecting to Proposed Jury Instructions
10. Jury Views and How to Deal With Them

Afternoon Session 1:00PM - 4:30PM
Panel Members: Hon. Susan N. Burke, Hon. Jennifer L. Frisch, Hon. Robyn A. Millenacker, and Hon. Mary R. Vasaly
Moderator: James M. Susag

11. Legal Ethics (1:00 - 2:00)
    1. The Meaning of "Justice" and the Role of the Judges and Attorneys in Upholding it
    2. Candor Toward Tribual
    3. The Duty of Zealous Representation in the Courtroom Setting
    4. How Judges and Lawyers Can Work Together to Improve the Justice System
12. Hearsay/Other Most Common Evidentiary Issues
13. Getting Your Evidence Admitted at Trial
14. Using Technology in the Courtroom
15. Using Expert Depositions at Trial
16. Mediation Best Practices/Issues
17. The Significance of an Opening Statement
18. Diffuse the Issue or Ratify the Argument
19. Making and Handling Motions in Objections at Trial
20. When is a Side Bar Appropriate?
21. Did You Get Everything on the Record?
22. Post Trial Relief/Issues
23. Preserving the Right to Appeal

HON. KEVIN S. BURKE is a District Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District in Hennepin County.

HON. SUSAN N. BURKE is a District Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District in Hennepin County.

HON. THOMAS S. FRASER is a District Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District in Hennepin County.

HON. JENNIFER L. FRISCH is a District Court Judge in the Second Judicial District in Ramsey County.

HON. THOMAS A. GILLIGAN JR. is a District Court Judge in the Second Judicial District in Ramsey County.

HON. ROBYN A. MILLENACKER is a District Court Judge in the Second Judicial District in Ramsey County.

HON. DANIEL C. MORENO is a District Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District in Hennepin County.

HON. MARY R. VASALY is a District Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District in Hennepin County.

MODERATOR - 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 is a frequent writer, public speaker, and panelist. He has been named a Super Lawyer from 2002 - present, a Best Lawyer in America and a Best Lawyer in Minnesota by Minnesota Monthly magazine, and one of the Very Best U.S. Attorneys in Franchising and a Franchise Legal Eagle by Franchise Times. 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.