Product Description

Newly named in honor of long-time chair Judge Paul A. Chernoff after his recent passing in 2024, this five intense days of personalized, comprehensive training provide you with fundamental courtroom skills from several venerable judges and experienced practitioners. This intense, rigorous, and challenging Workshop—as many of the state’s best trial lawyers attest—is vital for eager trial attorneys entering practice and for those who want to brush up on their trial skills.

Spend the week “on your feet,” arguing, questioning, and developing your skills in a mock trial setting. From opening statements to closing arguments, direct and cross examinations, expert witnesses, and eyewitnesses, improve your trial techniques under the close scrutiny of trial judges and leading attorneys. Most of your trial performance is videorecorded, so you can watch yourself in action throughout the day and receive constructive feedback from multiple faculty members, including judges. The tips, videos, demonstrations, lectures, and group discussions throughout the Workshop culminate with a full jury trial on the final day. After your performance, you watch a live jury deliberation via closed-circuit TV before the verdict is delivered. This Workshop is your chance to hear what the mock jury thought of your skills, arguments, and courtroom demeanor. Supportive critique continues even after the trial as the presiding judge gives you unique, personalized feedback on your efficacy. You emerge with well-honed trial skills and the ability to face your first—or next—jury trial with confidence.

This Workshop features distinguished trial court judges, expert litigators, and experienced lawyers who share their deep knowledge of trial practice, along with their practical and encouraging critique, as your personal mentors throughout the week. Networking opportunities continue at the closing reception, with both students and faculty attending. You leave this Workshop with a sense of accomplishment along with greater confidence in your new-found trial practice skills.

Special Program Information

• This limited-enrollment program is not included in the MCLE OnlinePass.
• Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Registration by July 7 is highly encouraged. Persons who register by that date will be mailed the special Workshop materials. If you wish to register after July 7, please first contact MCLE Customer Service at 617-482-2205. Cancellations are subject to a $100 processing fee.
• You’re encouraged to bring one or two volunteer jurors with you to MCLE on the final day of the Workshop—it’s a fun learning experience for them as well! Jurors need not be lawyers or law students and no advance preparation is necessary.
• This program is open only to lawyers and law students.

Materials

• All registrants receive a full set of problems and case materials published by T. Mauet, et al., as well as a copy of MCLE’s Massachusetts Courtroom Advocacy, which can be downloaded via the link emailed to you upon registration. Attendees also receive a print copy.

Agenda & Materials

• DAY ONE: JULY 14 - OPENING STATEMENTS AND DIRECT EXAMINATIONS
• 8:30am - 9:00am

  Orientation, Introductions, and Video (Judge Hines)

  Hon. Beverly J. Cannone, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Jeffrey A. Locke, , Wayland
  
• 9:00am - 10:00am

  Demonstration of Opening Statement and Discussion

  Ellen J. Zucker, Esq., Zucker Law Group LLP , Boston
  
• 10:00am - 12:45pm

  Opening Statements by Participants
• 12:45pm - 1:45pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:45pm - 2:15pm

  Demonstration of Direct Examination and Discussion

  Christine M. Martin, Esq., Tetzel Law LLC , Boston
  
• 2:15pm - 5:30pm

  Direct and Cross by Participants
• DAY TWO: JULY 15 - CROSS EXAMINATIONS, RE-DIRECTS AND THE USE OF DEMONSTRATIVE AIDS
• 8:30am - 8:40am

  Introduction and Video (Judge Fishman)
• 8:40am - 9:30am

  Demonstration of Cross-Examination and Re-direct Examination

  Leonard H. Kesten, Esq., Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP , Boston
  Evan C. Ouellette, Esq., Northeastern University/Office of University Counsel , Boston
  
• 9:30am - 12:45pm

  Cross and Re-direct Examinations by Participants
• 12:45pm - 1:45pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:45pm - 3:30pm

  Introduction of Exhibits by Participants
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm

  Use of Demonstrative Aids
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm

  Introduction of Exhibits by Participants (continued)
• DAY THREE: JULY 16 - QUALIFYING AND EXAMINING EXPERT WITNESSES
• 8:30am - 8:40am

  Introduction and Video (Judge Sanders)
• 8:40am - 10:40am

  Demonstration of Medical Malpractice – Direct and Cross Examination

  A. Bernard Guekguezian, Esq., Adler, Cohen, Harvey, Wakeman & Guekguezian LLP , Boston
  Shannon L. Johnson, MSN, NP-C,
  
• 10:40am - 11:40am

  Introduction of Exhibits by Participants (cont’d, if necessary)
• 11:40am - 12:40pm

  Expert Problems by Participants
• 12:40pm - 1:40pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:40pm - 4:30pm

  Expert Problems by Participants (cont.)
• 4:30pm - 5:30pm

  Demonstration of Closing Argument

  Anne S. Yas, Esq., Norfolk District Attorney's Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Canton
  Noel B. Dumas, Esq., Adler, Cohen, Harvey, Wakeman & Guekguezian LLP , Boston
  
• DAY FOUR: JULY 17 - CLOSING ARGUMENTS
• 8:30am - 8:40am

  Introduction and Video (Judge Chernoff)
• 8:40am - 12:00pm

  Closing Arguments by Participants (limit 10 min.)
• 12:00pm - 1:00pm

  Trial Preparation and Faculty Coaching
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 2:00pm - 2:30pm

  Trial Preparation and Faculty Coaching
• 2:30pm - 3:30pm

  View from the Bench
• 3:30pm - 5:00pm

  Wine and Cheese
• DAY FIVE: JULY 19 - MOCK TRIALS
• 8:30am - 9:30am

  Jury Orientation and Courtroom Assignments
• 9:30am - 12:30pm

  Morning Trials

  Hon. Beverly J. Cannone, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Jeffrey A. Locke, , Wayland
  
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  Lunch (provided by MCLE, for jurors as well)
• 1:30pm - 4:30pm

  Afternoon Trials

  Hon. Beverly J. Cannone, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Jeffrey A. Locke, , Wayland
  

Special Program Materials:

• Massachusetts Courtroom Advocacy

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.

Cochairs

Faculty