Family Law Trial Advocacy Workshop 2023
Five days—one trial—countless trial skills learned

- Product Number: 2230170P01
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CLE Credits, earn up to:
30 substantive credits, 0 ethics credits CLE Credit Note - Print Brochure
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Product Description
Product Description
This intensely challenging course gets you “on your feet” under the rigorous scrutiny of judges and leading practitioners. Join the scores of divorce lawyers who have polished their courtroom efficacy in this Workshop’s supportive environment, learning trial advocacy from motion practice—to expert witness examination—to final argument. You won’t find another training experience quite like this one. In each class session, you perform as trial counsel in phases of an ongoing trial. Day 1 begins with admitting exhibits and demonstrative evidence. By Day 4, you’re examining actual real estate and psychological experts.
Throughout the week, you observe expert domestic relations practitioners demonstrate effective trial techniques. Between “courtroom” performances, the faculty lectures on family law trial topics. On the final day of this intensive experience, you’re the leading counsel in a full-blown divorce trial. All the skills you learned during the week are on display before a Probate and Family Court judge, who concludes the session with a frank, no-holds-barred critique of your trial performance and newly-found advocacy skills.
Open to lawyers only, this program gives you a newfound confidence in yourself.
Registration Notes:
Space is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. Cancellations may only be refunded, minus a $100 processing fee if we are able to fill your seat.
This limited-enrollment program is not included in the MCLE OnlinePass.
Materials:
The materials for this program include MCLE's Massachusetts Courtroom Advocacy, as well as a faculty-prepared program book of Workshop materials, and a handout of exercises and directions, distributed approximately one week prior to the workshop so you have time to prepare.
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Agenda
Agenda & Materials
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Monday June 5, 2023
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Visiting Faculty Critiquers:
Phyllis E. Federico, Esq., Warner, Federico & Ryan LLP , Boston
Lisa J. Marino, Esq., Wilson, Marino & Bonnevie, PC , Newton
Linda A. Ouellette, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC , Boston
Karen Watts Stuntz, Esq., McEvoy & Stuntz, PC , Concord
Gary O. Todd, Esq., Todd & Weld LLP , Boston
Amanda Vanderhorst, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC , Boston
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9:15am - 9:30am
Welcome and Introduction
Hon. Mary Rudolph Black, Essex Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Salem
Hon. David G. Sacks, ADR Provider / Retired Judge , Holyoke
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9:30am - 10:00am
Motions: Lecture and Demonstration
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10:00am - 10:15am
Camera Setup Instructions
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10:15am - 11:15am
Uncontested Motions: Exercises
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11:15am - 11:30am
Networking and Refreshment Break
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11:30am - 12:30pm
Common Evidentiary Problems: Lecture
Phyllis E. Federico, Esq., Warner, Federico & Ryan LLP , Boston
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12:30pm - 1:30pm
Lunch (on your own)
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1:30pm - 2:45pm
Contested Motions: Exercises
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2:45pm - 3:15pm
Opening Statements: Lecture and Demonstration
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3:15pm - 3:30pm
Networking and Refreshment Break
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3:30pm - 4:15pm
Opening Statements: Exercises (Part 1)
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4:15pm - 5:00pm
Direct and Cross Examination: Lecture and Demonstration (Recorded)
Lisa J. Marino, Esq., Wilson, Marino & Bonnevie, PC , Newton
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Tuesday, June 6, 2023
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Visiting Faculty Critiquers:
John J. Hoffman, Esq., Hoffman Law Group , Norwood
Mikalen E. Howe, Esq., Bristol Probate and Family Court , Fall River
Angela M. LeBlanc-Murdock, Esq., Murdock & Associates , Gloucester
Andrea M. Wells, Esq., Turco Legal , Newburyport
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9:15am - 10:15am
Opening Statements: Exercises (Part 2)
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10:15am - 1:00pm
Direct and Cross Examination: Exercises
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1:00pm - 2:00pm
Lunch (on your own)
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2:00pm - 3:00pm
Direct and Cross Examination of Experts (Qualifications and Substance): Lecture and Demonstration
John J. Hoffman, Esq., Hoffman Law Group , Norwood
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3:00pm - 3:15pm
Networking and Refreshment Break
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3:15pm - 5:00pm
Direct and Cross-Examination: Exercises Continued
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Wednesday, June 7, 2023
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Visiting Faculty Critiquers:
Alfred Farese, III, Esq., , Middleton
Regina M. Hurley, Esq., Verrill Dana LLP , Boston
Norman I. Jacobs, Esq., Esdaile, Barrett, Jacobs & Mone , Boston
Martin F. Kane, II, Esq., McGrath & Kane , Boston
Steven J. Ryan, Esq., Warner, Federico & Ryan LLP , Boston
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9:15am - 10:00am
Financial Statements
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10:00am - 11:30am
Direct and Cross Examination of Experts: Exercises (Qualifications)
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11:30am - 11:45am
Networking and Refreshment Break
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11:45am - 12:15pm
Closing Arguments: Lecture and Demonstration
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12:15pm - 1:15pm
Lunch (on your own)
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1:15pm - 3:15pm
Direct and Cross Examination of Experts (Substance): Exercises
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3:15pm - 3:30pm
Networking and Refreshment Break
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3:30pm - 5:00pm
Lawyer Relations
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Thursday, June 8, 2023
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Visiting Faculty Critiquers:
Nicole C. Armstrong, Esq., Armstrong Law, PC , Lowell
James L. Brick, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Newton
Merril S. Chin, Esq., The Law Office of Merril S. Chin LLC , Danvers
Kathleen A. Rice, , Woburn
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9:15am - 10:45am
Student/ Expert Conference
Merril S. Chin, Esq., The Law Office of Merril S. Chin LLC , Danvers
Eric T. Gable, Suffolk Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
Mary M. McDonough, Essex Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Salem
Kathleen A. Rice, , Woburn
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10:45am - 11:00am
Networking and Refreshment Break
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11:00am - 12:30pm
Direct and Cross Examination of Experts (Qualifications and Substance): Exercises
(15 minutes total with critique) -
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Lunch (on your own)
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1:30pm - 4:00pm
Direct and Cross Examination of Experts (Qualifications and Substance): Exercises (continued)
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Friday, June 9, 2022
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9:15am - 9:45am
Counsel and Witness Confer
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9:45am - 12:45pm
Trial
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Judges:
Hon. Mary Rudolph Black, Essex Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Salem
Hon. Megan H. Christopher, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
Hon. David G. Sacks, ADR Provider / Retired Judge , Holyoke
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Probation Officers:
Eric T. Gable, Suffolk Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
Mary M. McDonough, Essex Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Salem
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GAL:
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12:45pm - 1:45pm
Lunch (provided by MCLE)
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1:45pm - 4:45pm
Trial
Please Note
MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.
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