First-Year Associates: Litigation

Answers respond to the allegations in a complaint. This course covers the main parts of an answer, how to respond to factual allegations, affirmative defenses, counterclaims, and cross-claims.

An overview of the typical civil litigation discovery process, including the different types of discovery, the process of serving and responding to discovery requests, and the phases of discovery.

E-discovery is an important part of document discovery. This course introduces lawyers to key concepts in e-discovery including terminology, how electronically stored information (ESI) is collected, and working with clients and opposing counsel to gather information.

Lawyers use requests for production, interrogatories, and requests for admission to get different types of information during discovery. This course explains these discovery requests, including what sections appear in typical requests and related drafting tips.

After receiving a discovery request, a party will prepare written responses and objections. This course explains written responses and objections to document requests, interrogatories, and requests for admission.

An overview of how to conduct a document review, including an explanation of the various purposes and goals and how a review might be structured. Also includes an introduction to producing documents and drafting production cover letters.

Practical tips for lawyers new to conducting a document review. Includes tips on how to add value, organizing and escalating documents, and managing mistakes.

Protecting privileged information is critical in litigation. This course explains privilege and work product, what to do if protected information is sent to the other side, clawbacks, privilege waivers, and joint defense groups.

An introduction to motion practice, including the typical briefing process, the ways a motion can be made, the contents of a typical motion, and strategic considerations when drafting a brief.

How to write a brief persuasively, including achieving the right tone, style, and language. Also includes how to present your facts effectively and target your audience.

The key financial concepts in litigation practice, including how financial statements are used by litigators, which bookkeeping records might be included in a document request, the roles of financial experts and fact witnesses, and the basis of calculations for damages or settlements.