SEAK Testifying Skills Workshop, June 2005

SEAK Testifying Skills Workshop, June 2005

Preconference
Testifying Skills Workshop	Schedule
Four Points by Sheraton Hyannis Resort Hyannis, Massachusetts	Faculty
June 15, 2005	Hotel and Travel Information
	Registration Info
	Registration Form
	PDF of Brochure
Executive Summary An expert's value ultimately depends on his or her ability to excel when testifying. *Testifying Skills Workshop* is a hands-on interactive program which has been designed to show experts exactly what to do, and what not to do when testifying. It features concise didactic presentations combined with numerous mock trial and deposition demonstrations using volunteer attendees. The fact patterns, CVs, difficult questions, and reports used in the demonstrations will be submitted in advance by attendees. There will be ample time for questions and answers.
Learning Objectives At the completion of this workshop you will be able to: Connect with and persuade the jury Understand counsel's trick questions and trial tactics and how to defeat them Be confident and effective during cross-examination Understand how optimum deposition testimony techniques differ from those which should be used at trial Understand how to better defend your reports and qualifications under cross-examination Be a better and more successful expert witness Here's what last year's attendees have to say about Testifying Skills Workshop: "Faculty excellent" "Very informative, enjoyed the fast pace" "First workshop on subject attended, it was very informative" "Well organized and informative" "Hard hitting questions and how to avoid embarrassing situations" "Liked 2 different presenters, both a delight to listen to, both very knowledgeable and dynamic. The judge was particularly helpful" "Passion and energy of presentation was excellent" "As a professional speaker, I can attest that Geoff definitely has a speaking/presentation talent" "Excellent program"
Faculty: The Honorable Paul A. Chernoff is an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court. Judge Chernoff received his J.D. from George Washington University School of Law. Judge Chernoff, prior to his appointment to the bench, was a member of the Public Defender Service, District of Columbia and chair of the Massachusetts Parole Board. Judge Chernoff has received the 1997 Judicial Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys and the 1998 Massachusetts Judges Conference Superior Court Judicial Excellence Award. Judge Chernoff is on the faculty for the National Judicial College and the Massachusetts Continuing Education Board, and is an adjunct faculty member of Boston College Law School. Geoffrey J. Shapiro, Esquire is a graduate of the University of California at Berkley and Boston College Law School. Attorney Shapiro is a trial attorney with the Cleveland, Ohio law firm of Shapiro, Shapiro and Shapiro Co., L.P.A. where he has one of the most active trial practices in Northeast Ohio. He specializes in workers' compensation personal injury, and insurance bad faith cases primarily representing plaintiffs. Attorney Shapiro began his legal career in California where he specialized in litigation representing defendants and insurers in personal injury defense and insurance coverage cases. He is admitted to practice in the courts of California and Ohio. Registration Information: The $295 tuition includes a continental breakfast, breaks, lunch with faculty, workshop manual, and a unique and practical hands-on learning experience. We expect this workshop to sell out early. To register, please click here.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005

7:00-8:00	Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:00-9:30	Depositions: Special Techniques Attendees will learn the special techniques which should be used when testifying at transcribed and videotaped deposition. Included is an explanation of what questions experts are likely to be asked at deposition, why they are likely to be asked those questions, the rules the attorneys must play by at deposition, and how the expert deposition fits into both side's case. Deposition Demonstrations.
9:30-9:45	Break and Networking Opportunity
9:45-11:00	Direct Examination: Persuading The Jury Attendees will learn how to best connect with and persuade a jury. Techniques explained and demonstrated include, speaking in laymen's terms, acting as a teacher, using proper body language and demeanor, and how and when to use demonstrative evidence. Direct Examination Demonstrations.
11:00-12:00	Cross Examination: Bending, But Not Breaking Attendees will learn how to stand up to even the most withering of cross-examinations. Faculty will explain the goals of counsel during cross-examination and the trick questions and trial tactics that are commonly used. Techniques for deflecting counsel's attacks and excelling during cross examination will be provided. Cross- Examination Demonstrations.
12:00-1:15	Lunch (Provided with Faculty)
1:15-2:15	Cross Examination: Your C.V. Attendees will learn how counsel will attempt to challenge their qualifications during cross-examinations. Artful responses that meet these challenges will be suggested. Volunteer attendees will be cross-examined on their pre-submitted CVs. Cross Examination Demonstrations.
2:15-3:00	Cross Examination: Your Report Attendees will learn how experienced counsel will attempt to pick apart their expert report. Advanced techniques to blunt counsel's pointed questions will be provided and demonstrated. Volunteer attendees will be cross-examined on their pre-submitted reports. Cross Examination Demonstrations.
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm	Break and Networking Opportunity
3:15-4:00	Trick and Difficult Questions Attendees will identify the most difficult questions they can be asked as an expert. Artful replies to these questions will be discussed and demonstrated. Cross Examination Demonstration.
4:00-4:30	Concluding Roundtable Review and Discussion