Trial Practice Skills

Trial and Error: Dos and Don'ts from the Bench for the Young and Not-So-Young Lawyer

This program is back by popular demand. Always at the top of the ratings in post-meeting evaluations, the seats fill up fast, so get there early. In an age of the vanishing trial, lawyers have fewer and fewer opportunities to gain hands-on trial experience. This program offers lawyers the chance to take part in a lively and free-flowing discussion with members of the trial bench from around the state, who share the dos and don’ts and offer their own particular insights to help lawyers succeed when they appear in court.

Thursday, October 18
2:10 – 3 p.m.
1.0 MCLE Hour

Moderator:
Doreen D. Dodson, The Stolar Partnership, St. Louis

Presenters:
Hon. Glen A. Dietrich, 4th Judicial Circuit, Maryville
Hon. Carolyn C. Whittington, 21st Judicial Circuit, Clayton
Hon. Barbara W. Wallace, 21st Judicial Circuit, Clayton
Hon. Gary P. Kramer, 23rd Judicial Circuit, Hillsboro
Hon. J. Dale Youngs, 16th Judicial Circuit, Kansas City
Hon. Deborah Daniels, 13th Judicial Circuit, Columbia

Arguing on Appeal: Judicial Perspectives & Insights on Effective Advocacy

From drafting a compelling brief to the delivery of a persuasive oral argument, appellate practice may, at times, seem “mysterious,” especially for those who don’t regularly practice in the appellate courts. Like the trial judge panel program, attendees typically fill this session to capacity to hear from and ask questions of Missouri appellate judges on what works and what hurts on appeal. Stake out your spot early.

Thursday, October 18
3:10 – 4 p.m.
1.0 MCLE Hour

Moderator:
Erwin O. Switzer, III, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., St. Louis

Presenters:
Hon. Mary Russell, Supreme Court of Missouri, Jefferson City
Hon. Victor C. Howard, Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, Kansas City
Hon. Mary K. Hoff, Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, St. Louis
Hon. Lisa White Hardwick, Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, Kansas City
Hon. Donald E. Burrell, Jr., Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, Springfield
Hon. Robert G. Dowd, Jr., Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, St. Louis
Hon.  Gary W. Lynch, Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, Springfield

Into the Minds of Jurors: Tips From the Jury Box

Have you ever seen a verdict and wondered what the jury was thinking? This session will give you a chance to find out. Join us to hear directly from jurors who served in recent cases, both big and small. The jurors will explain, from their perspectives, what works and what does not work in the courtroom, providing important first-hand insights for the lawyers and interested judges who attend. Led by one of Missouri’s most respected trial attorneys, this session will be a lively, interactive discussion (including questions from the audience) that will reveal trial tips straight from the jury’s mouth.

Thursday, October 18
4:10 – 5 p.m.
1.0 MCLE Hour

Moderator:
Rodney E. Loomer, Turner, Reid, Duncan, Loomer & Patton, PC, Springfield

Presenters: 
Panel of jurors from recent trials 

Tips and Techniques to Effectively and Efficiently Try the Small Case 

This program will consist of tips for trying the small jury trial and the small court-tried lawsuit, including how lawyers can keep costs to a minimum by using tools available on the Internet and by using audio-visual evidence, how to keep the jury’s and the judge’s interest, and what stipulations should – and should not – be made.

Friday, October 19
8:30 – 9:20 a.m.
1.0 MCLE Hour

Presenters:
Eric M. Belk, Eric M. Belk, P.C., Springfield
Hon. Mark A. Powell, 31st Judicial Circuit, Springfield

ERISA, Medicare, Medicaid Liens and Setoffs in Personal Injury and Workers' Comp Cases 
 

This advanced program will feature a discussion by leading professions on successfully identifying, negotiating and reducing liens and offsets.   

 Friday, October 19
9:30 – 10:20 a.m. 
1.0 MCLE Hour

Moderator: 
Nancy R. Mogab, Mogab & Hughes Attorneys P.C., St. Louis  

Presenter:
Christine Alsop, Elder & Disability Advocacy Firm of Christine A. Alsop, L.L.C., St. Louis 
Julie A. Berkowitz, Law Office of Julie Berkowitz, St. Louis
J. Christopher Chostner, Schuchat, Cook & Werner, St. Louis
Robert N. Hendershot, II, Evans and Dixon, L.L.C., St. Louis