Agenda / Content Covered

Morning Session - 9:00 - 12:00
Panelists: Hon. David Branstool, Hon. Christopher M. Brown, Hon. Jenifer French, Hon. David M. Gormley, Hon. Daniel R. Hawkins, Hon. Colleen O'Donnell, Hon. Jaiza N. Page, and Hon. Karen Held Phipps
Moderator: Terry V. Hummel

1. Navigating the Local Civil Court Procedure: Concrete Rules and Unwritten Etiquette
2. Initial Pleadings: Laying Out the Legal and Factual Issues of the Case
3. Answers to Common Questions Asked in Case Conferences
4. Case Scheduling: Fast-Tracking Options and Handling Conflicts and Delays
5. Summary Judgment Motions and Hearings
6. Cooperation Between Counsel
7. Judges' View of Discovery
   1. Common Discovery Dispute Issues
   2. When You Should and Should Not Make Objections
   3. What is Appropriate for a Privilege Log
   4. When to Use a Motion to Compel
   5. How to Avoid Messing Up the Timing
   6. When are Sanctions a Possibility?
8. Pre-Trial Briefs That Promote Settlement
9. Unacceptable Pre-Trial Litigation Tactics

Afternoon Session - 1:00 - 4:30
Panelists: Hon. David Branstool, Hon. Christopher M. Brown, Hon. David M. Gormley, Hon. Daniel R. Hawkins, and Hon. Jaiza N. Page
Moderator: Terry V. Hummel

10. Seeking the Judge's Guidance Outside of Scheduled Conferences
    1. When is it Appropriate to Contact the Judge or the Clerk?
    2. What Questions are Acceptable?
    3. Is it Ok to Contact the Judge During a Deposition?
11. Jury Selection and Juror Requests: What is Appropriate?
12. Types of Evidence Judges Value Most/Least
13. Witness Selection and Testimony: What Works and What's a Waste of Time for Everyone
14. Legal Ethics (2:45 - 3:45)
    1. The Meaning of "Justice" and the Role of the Judges and Attorneys in Upholding it
    2. Candor Toward Tribunal
    3. The Duty of Zealous Representation in the Courtroom Setting
    4. How Judges and Lawyers can Work Together to Improve the Justice System
15. Trial Presentation Do's and Don'ts
16. How to Confuse the Jury: Top Mistakes Judges Have Seen
17. Effective Ways of Handling Facts in Controversy at Trial

HON. DAVID BRANSTOOL is a Judge in the Licking County Court of Common Pleas.

HON. CHRISTOPHER M. BROWN is a Judge in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

HON. JENIFER FRENCH is a Judge in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

HON. DAVID M. GORMLEY is a Judge in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.

HON. DANIEL R. HAWKINS is a Judge in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

HON. COLLEEN O'DONNELL is a Judge in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

HON. JAIZA N. PAGE is a Judge in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

HON. KAREN HELD PHIPPS is a Judge in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

MODERATOR - TERRY V. HUMMEL is an attorney with the law firm of Scott W. Schiff & Associates. He has been an attorney for more than 35 years and focuses his practice in the area of plaintiff's personal injury. Mr. Hummel's practice and experience has involved thousands of personal injury and death claims in state and federal courts throughout Ohio and in neighboring states, including Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. He is a member of the Central Ohio Association for Justice, the Ohio Association for Justice, and the Ohio State and Columbus bar associations. He is a frequent lecturer for National Business Institute seminars. Mr. Hummel earned his B.A. and J.D. degrees from Capital University.