Product Description

Even in this era of the vanishing trial, there remains a need for exceptional advocates and trial lawyers. Once, young lawyers learned their craft by apprenticing for senior lawyers and trying smaller cases on their own. Today, however, trials have become rare and expensive propositions. Up-and-coming trial lawyers now need to find new and creative ways to acquire the knowledge and skill required to be ready for the courtroom. Get the benefit of hearing dozens of tips and anecdotes from experienced judges who have spent thousands of hours in the courtroom hearing motions and cases—a unique opportunity whether you are just starting out or have several trials under your belt!

Join our moderator, veteran trial attorney Jennifer Mikels, and learn what this panel of Superior Court judges want practitioners to know about courtroom practice and trial advocacy. The panel format allows the judges to offer their insights on a variety of topics, while also hearing and responding to their colleagues. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insight into the judicial perspective and be better prepared the next time you walk into Superior Court! 

Agenda & Materials

• 2:00pm - 2:05pm

  Welcome and Introduction

  Jennifer L. Mikels, Esq., Goulston & Storrs, PC , Boston
  
• 2:05pm - 2:17pm

  Dispositive Motion Practice

  Hon. Michael D. Ricciuti, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 2:17pm - 2:29pm

  Effective Briefing

  Hon. Christopher K. Barry-Smith, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 2:29pm - 2:41pm

  Effective Oral Argument

  Hon. Beverly J. Cannone, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 2:41pm - 2:53pm

  Jury Selection and Voir Dire

  Hon. Catherine H. Ham, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 2:53pm - 3:05pm

  Jury Instructions/Verdict Form – Model Instructions and Best Practices for Final Pre-Trial and Trial Conferences

  Hon. Christopher K. Barry-Smith, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 3:05pm - 3:17pm

  Effective Use of Experts/Effective Presentation of Complex Topics

  Hon. Beverly J. Cannone, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 3:17pm - 3:30pm

  Evidence, Objections, and Presentation

  Hon. Kristen Buxton, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Lowell
  
• 3:30pm - 3:45pm

  Break
• 3:45pm - 4:00pm

  Trial Tales

  Hon. Michael D. Ricciuti, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 4:00pm - 4:15pm

  Hon. Catherine H. Ham, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 4:15pm - 4:30pm

  Hon. Christopher K. Barry-Smith, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 4:30pm - 4:45pm

  Hon. Kristen Buxton, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Lowell
  
• 4:45pm - 5:00pm

  Hon. Beverly J. Cannone, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  

Special Program Materials:

• Massachusetts Superior Court Civil Practice Manual

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.

Chair

Faculty