Courtroom Decorum
A discussion of how to present yourself in the courtroom. Includes how to show proper respect to the judge, interact with opposing counsel, and convey the utmost professionalism at all times.
Creating a Master Trial Plan
How to create a master document that will serve as the blueprint for your entire trial. Every task your team tackles will be more efficient and more effective because of this document—letting you move through trial in an orderly fashion.
Trial Ethics
Ethical considerations that come into play throughout trial. Discusses ethical duties related to your client, witnesses, the judge and jury, the opposing party, and the public.
Opening Statements
A walk-through of how to prepare and ultimately deliver your opening statement. Covers how to get the jury’s attention right away, tell your client’s story, introduce key evidence, distill complexities, handle negative evidence, and end with a bang. Also teaches specific things you can do (and not do) to win the jury over.
Direct Examination
How to prepare for direct examination of a fact witness, so you can go into your prep session with a trial-ready outline. Includes how to cover affirmative points that you need to get in through the witness, how to neutralize negative points you expect on cross, how and when to use exhibits, and how to think about redirect. (Prepping the witness is covered in a different course.)
Prepping a Witness for Direct
How to prepare your witness for their direct examination. Includes how to discuss their answers with them, prepare them on negative points, and instruct them on demeanor. Also covers strategy for an effective mock Q&A.
Prepping a Witness for Cross
An advanced discussion on how to prepare your witness for cross examination. Teaches how to educate your witness on the tactics the other lawyer will use, and how they can defuse those tactics. Also covers how to approach mock cross, what to look for in your witness’s mock answers, and how to give effective feedback.
Cross Examination
Strategic guidance on the meticulous preparation required to conduct cross examination. Includes how to organize your outline, decide what to cover, start and end your cross, and draft effective questions. Also discusses how to adjust your plan in real time based on the witness’s direct, how to use exhibits, and other tips for a successful execution.
Closing Argument
Step-by-step guidance on building your closing argument, from pre-trial planning to acing the delivery. Includes how to structure the closing, draft it persuasively, and make it clear for the jury. Also teaches how to decide what to put in your closing, including what to look for you as you monitor the evidence coming in during trial.
Trying Your Case with an Eye Toward Appeal
A detailed discussion of how to position yourself well for appellate review. Includes how to present your evidence, respond to objections, exclude your opponent’s evidence, and preserve arguments at the end of trial.
Running a Trial Team
How to manage a trial team, lead its operations, and make sure that all trial materials are completed on time and consistently with team strategy. This course is valuable both for the person in charge of the team, as well as any other member. It includes how to effectively assign trial tasks, optimize (and not overdo) team meetings, make decisions efficiently, delegate effectively, and stay on top of trial deadlines.