Trial Courses
Jury Selection/Voir Dire
Jury selection can be one of the most intimidating parts of the trial process and yet it is the most crucial. Even the most seasoned trial lawyer may sometimes underestimate the importance of picking a favorable jury. Your trial begins and ends with your jury.
In this course, you will learn how to effectively interact with jurors, properly phrase jury questions and pinpoint characteristics that will be beneficial for your case. Additionally, this course will guide you through the different strikes, and properly examine juror credibility and bias.
Opening Statement
An opening statement is your introduction to the jury. With this course, you will be provided the tools to create and present a memorable and impactful opening statement. This course will take you step-by-step through the creation process, starting with the proper way to present the relevant facts of the case, then transitioning into the introduction of witnesses and evidence.
Our experienced instructor will demonstrate how to hold a jury’s attention and create demonstratives that tell a story and leave a lasting impression throughout the trial. Finally, this course will show you how to create and follow a strong theme that will be at the center of your case.
Direct Examination
This is your chance to shine. A successful direct examination can solidify a jury’s confidence and make you look like the more credible and trustworthy party. This course explores the proper way to prepare for a direct examination, including how to prep your witness, how to effectively phrase your questions, how to properly introduce items into evidence, and how to prepare and execute a possible re-direct examination.
It is highly recommended to pair this course with our Depositions lecture*
Directed Verdicts
A directed verdict motion made in front of a judge can be intimidating and difficult. It is crucial that you be fully prepared and know what is expected. In this course you will learn the most constructive way present your motion clearly and concisely in front of the judge. Additionally, you will learn how to strategically form your motion arguments and cite different case law on the record. Most importantly, you will learn how to properly and clearly preserve your argument for appeal.
It is highly recommended to pair this course with our Motions lecture and Evidence lecture*
Cross-Examination
Cross examinations are a double-edged sword. On one side, a cross-examination is an opportunity to highlight your narrative of a witness’s testimony. On the other side, you are no longer questioning a favorable witness and any wrong answer can change the direction of the trial. This course will explore the most effective way to cross-examine a witness in the light most favorable to your case. You will learn the best and most effective ways to prepare for cross-examination, the right way to ask your questions, and how to properly introduce items into evidence or for purposes of impeachment.
It is highly recommended to pair this course with our Depositions lecture and Impeachment lecture*
Closing Argument
The trial is over and all your evidence has been presented to the jury. Now is the time to finish strong. This course will guide you through the complex process of incorporating all that was presented at trial into one concise and captivating closing argument.
Our experienced instructor will demonstrate how to incorporate all that new knowledge into your trial theme. Additionally, this course will show you how to create demonstratives that will tell your story and leave a final imprint on the jury.
Impeachment
Credibility is crucial at trial, especially in front of a jury. Impeachment is a powerful tool that, when done properly, may have an immense impact on the case. This course will explore the art of impeachment evidence at trial, questioning witnesses on the stand, preparing to impeach a witness, the use of documents for the purpose of impeachment, note-taking during trial in furtherance of impeaching a testifying witness, and presenting evidence to a testifying witness for the purpose of refreshing their recollection.
It is highly recommended to pair this course with our Depositions lecture, Cross-Examination lecture, and Evidence lecture*
Evidence (Basic)
The rules of evidence are essential when it comes to trial. This course will review the basic rules that will allow you to preserve the record for a potential appeal, object timely and correctly, and properly introduce evidence.