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The Judges Speak: Civil Court Litigation Do's and Don'ts

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Copyright Date: October, 2018
Product ID#: 80151SADM

Online Access: Expires 6 months from date of purchase

Credit Information: Continuing Legal Education
LA CLE - 6.00

Basic to Intermediate

Judicial Forum

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Course book included with all formats

Program Description

Knowing what your judge expects is the best way for attorneys to practice. That's why we've gathered the wisdom of the local civil court judges to help you learn up front what the rules and expectations in their courtrooms are. Get answers to questions you may not have thought to ask and learn what other attorneys may struggle with. Up your litigation game - order today!

Course Content

Morning Session

Navigating the Local Civil Court Procedure: Concrete Rules and Unwritten Etiquette
Initial Pleadings: Laying out the Legal and Factual Issues of the Case
Answers to Common Questions Asked in Case Conferences
Case Scheduling: Fast-Tracking Options and Handling Conflicts and Delays
Summary Judgment Motions and Hearings
Cooperation Between Counsel
Judges' View of Discovery
Pre-Trial Briefs that Promote Settlement
Unacceptable Pre-Trial Litigation Tactics

Afternoon Session

Seeking the Judge's Guidance Outside of Scheduled Conferences
Jury Selection and Juror Requests: What is Appropriate?
Types of Evidence Judges Value Most/Least
Witness Selection and Testimony: What Works and What's a Waste of Time for Everyone
Legal Ethics
Trial Presentation Do's and Don'ts
How to Confuse the Jury: Top Mistakes Judges Have Seen
Effective Ways of Handling Facts in Controversy at Trial

Agenda / Content Covered

AM Session 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Panel Members: Hon. Christopher J. Bruno, Hon. Stephen D. Enright Jr., Hon. Rachael D. Johnson, Hon. John J. Molaison Jr., Hon. Kern A. Reese and Hon. Raymond S. Steib Jr.
Moderator: James R. Nieset Jr.

Navigating the Local Civil Court Procedure: Concrete Rules and Unwritten Etiquette
Initial Pleadings: Laying out the Legal and Factual Issues of the Case
Answers to Common Questions Asked in Case Conferences
Case Scheduling: Fast-Tracking Options and Handling Conflicts and Delays
Summary Judgment Motions and Hearings
Cooperation Between Counsel
Judges' View of Discovery
1. Common Discovery Dispute Issues
2. When You Should and Should Not Make Objections
3. What is Appropriate for a Privilege Log
4. When to Use a Motion to Compel
5. How to Avoid Messing Up the Timing
6. When are Sanctions a Possibility?
Pre-Trial Briefs that Promote Settlement
Unacceptable Pre-Trial Litigation Tactics

PM Session 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Panel Members: Hon. Christopher J. Bruno, Hon. Stephen D. Enright Jr., Hon. Rachael D. Johnson, Hon. John J. Molaison Jr., Hon. Kern A. Reese and Hon. Raymond S. Steib Jr.
Moderator: James R. Nieset Jr.

Seeking the Judge's Guidance Outside of Scheduled Conferences
1. When is it Appropriate to Contact the Judge or the Clerk?
2. What Questions are Acceptable?
3. Is it Ok to Contact the Judge During a Deposition?
Jury Selection and Juror Requests: What is Appropriate?
Types of Evidence Judges Value Most/Least
Witness Selection and Testimony: What Works and What's a Waste of Time for Everyone
Legal Ethics 2:45 - 3:45
1. The Meaning of "Justice" and the Role of the Judges and Attorneys in Upholding it
2. Candor Toward Tribunal
3. The Duty of Zealous Representation in the Courtroom Setting
4. How Judges and Lawyers can Work Together to Improve the Justice System
Trial Presentation Do's and Don'ts
How to Confuse the Jury: Top Mistakes Judges Have Seen
Effective Ways of Handling Facts in Controversy at Trial

Accreditation Details:

Credit Information

Continuing Legal Education
LA CLE - 6.00 Approval Exp. 10/12/2019

Includes - Ethics - 1.00

This course or a portion thereof has been approved by the Louisiana State Bar Association Committee on MCLE. This program may qualify for up to 6.0 hours (based on a 60-minute credit hour) of self-study credit, of which 1.0 hour will apply to self-study ethics credit. No more than 4.0 hours of distance learning CLE credit may be earned during a reporting period.

HON. CHRISTOPHER J. BRUNO is a District Court Judge in the Civil District Court of the 41st Judicial District in Orleans Parish.

HON. STEPHEN D. ENRIGHT JR. is a District Court Judge of the 24th Judicial District in Jefferson Parish.

HON. RACHAEL D. JOHNSON is a District Court Judge in the Civil District Court of the 41st Judicial District in Orleans Parish.

HON. JOHN J. MOLAISON JR. is a District Court Judge of the 24th Judicial District in Jefferson Parish.

HON. KERN A. REESE is a District Court Judge in the Civil District Court of the 41st Judicial District in Orleans Parish.

HON. RAYMOND S. STEIB JR. is a District Court Judge of the 24th Judicial District in Jefferson Parish.

MODERATOR - JAMES R. NIESET JR. is a partner in the New Orleans law firm of Porteous, Hainkel & Johnson, LLP. Mr. Nieset defends insurance companies in personal injury, bad faith, coverage and property cases. Mr. Nieset has successfully tried cases to both judges and juries in state and federal courts throughout southeast Louisiana. Mr. Nieset has argued appeals in the Louisiana First, Third, Fourth and Fifth Circuit courts of Appeal and in the Louisiana Supreme Court. He is a frequent presenter on bad faith law, the law of social media, the use of technology in the practice of law and professionalism. He received his B.S. degree from Tulane University College of Arts and Sciences, and J.D. degree from Tulane University School of Law. Mr. Nieset is a member of the American Bar Association, the Defense Research Institute, the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel, the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, the New Orleans Bar Association and the Council on Litigation Management (president, SE Louisiana Chapter 2015).