Trial School - In-Person
This program has been converted to a fully virtual program. There is no in-person registration option.
The El Paso County Bar Association and CBA-CLE have partnered on a 2022 Trial School that will arm attendees with the fundamental tools necessary to succeed at trial, regardless of the attorney's preferred field of practice. Certain segments will focus on skills used in trials to a jury; however, most segments are applicable to bench and jury trials alike. The Trial School will include substantive instruction followed by practical application of skills learned. The Trial School is open to all but is generally aimed at those newer to the profession or those who desire a skills refresher course. Both in-person and virtual formats are available.
Home studies will be available approximately 2-3 weeks following the live program.
For your own safety, the safety of others, and in an effort to provide everyone with the most rewarding in-person meeting and event experiences possible, we request that you attend this event only if you have been fully vaccinated. All attendees must wear masks for indoor events unless attendees can maintain a distance of six feet from each other, in which case masks may be removed. Masks may also be removed by an attendee, briefly, when they are speaking, eating, or drinking.
Depending on CDC and/or state or local health guidelines, a rise in COVID-19 cases, or other circumstances that may threaten the well-being of our attendees, CBA-CLE reserves the right to convert to a fully virtual event.
If disability accommodations or special assistance are needed, please contact us at [email protected]. Requests must be made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled program.
The program will be submitted for CLE accreditation in Colorado. If you need to seek accreditation in another state, please review the process and requirements for that individual state. CBA-CLE staff can provide a Uniform Certificate of Attendance, and it is the attendee’s responsibility to complete the accreditation outside of Colorado.
• Each session will include a 15-minute break
April 19, 2022, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Setting the Stage: Why Does it Matter?
First, Judge Christine Arguello will share professionalism tips and best practices based on her 13 years as a Federal District Court judge and her experience as a juror in a 4-week state court jury trial. Next, you’ll hear the do’s and don’ts of jury trial presentation from a panel of litigators and judicial officers.
Presented by Honorable Christine M. Arguello, United States District Court – District of Colorado
Panelists:
• Thomas J. Herd, Esq., Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C.
• Joshua Tolini, Esq., Barker & Tolini PC
• Gordan L. Vaughan, Esq., Vaughan & DeMuro
• Jennifer Viehman, Esq., Chief Deputy District Attorney, 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
• Honorable Gregory R. Werner, 4th Judicial District
Moderated by Diana May, Esq., El Paso County Attorney
Submitted for .5 Ethics/Professionalism Credits
April 21, 2022: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
5:30 – 6:20 pm
Expectations of a Lawyer
A conversation about professionalism, civility, and focused litigation
Presented by Honorable William Bain, Chief Judge, 4th Judicial District
Submitted for .5 Ethics/Professionalism Credits
6:30 – 7:20 pm
Pre-Trial Matters
97% of cases settle before trial based on pre-trial litigation, so it is critical to handle that portion of the case wisely. Pre-trial litigation also lays the groundwork for trial if the case does not settle. We will cover initial tasks when taking a new case, evaluating and planning the course of litigation, investigation of the facts, evaluating legal issues early on, written discovery, preparing clients for depositions, compiling a key document notebook and deposition exhibits, taking depositions, retaining experts, preparing for mediation, mediation strategy, and preparing/organizing for trial.
Presented by Justin Walker, Esq., Dewhirst & Dolven LLC
April 26, 2022: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Voir Dire as it Relates to the Process of Selecting a Jury
From the first day of your case to the day the jury is selected. Methods of preparation, thoughts, case law and suggested readings.
Presented by Steve Barr, Esq., Colorado Commercial Builders, and Joseph Gorman, Esq., Shakeshaft-Gorman Law Firm, LLP
Openings
Presented by Joseph Gorman, Esq., Shakeshaft-Gorman Law Firm, LLP
April 28, 2022: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Authenticity (30 minutes)
Presented by Joseph Gorman, Esq., Shakeshaft-Gorman Law Firm, LLP
Mentoring
Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program (CAMP)
Presented by J. Ryann Peyton, Esq., Director, Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program
El Paso County Bar Association Legacy Society
Presented by Barkely Heuser, Esq., Heuser & Heuser, L.L.P., and Glenn Schlabs, Esq.
Pro Bono (15 minutes)
Presented by Laura McKernan, Executive Director, The Justice Center
May 3, 2022: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
How to Prepare Your Case to be a Cross and Direct Examination Ninja: Direct and Cross-Examination of Lay Witnesses
- How to draft your direct/cross to usefully present your narrative.
- Simple rules to improve effectiveness of direct and cross examination.
- How to include impeachment in your preparation of direct and cross examination.
Presented by Kayla Wingard, Esq., Burnham Law
Cross Examination of Expert Witnesses
Presented by Honorable David Shakes, District Court Judge, 4th Judicial District
May 5, 2022: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Evidence: How to Actually Know What You're Talking About
This presentation will cover:
• A rundown of the most commonly used rules and objections
• Hearsay: What it is, the exceptions, and how to get around it
• Most common mistakes with introducing evidence
Presented by Jon Wandersee, Esq., Burnham Law
May 10, 2022: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
5:30 – 6:30 pm
What Do I Do with This Evidence?
Even seasoned lawyers fumble during trial. They forget how to lay a proper foundation for admitting certain exhibits, improperly lead witnesses on direct examination, ineffectively impeach a witness, don’t remember how to refresh a witness’s recollection, miss critical evidentiary objections, use foundational voir dire incorrectly, etc. This presentation is a refresher on the basics for managing the evidence at trial from a judge’s perspective. It will assist lawyers to present their evidence more effectively and efficiently and oppose evidence that should not be considered.
Presented by Honorable S. Kato Crews, United States District Court, District of Colorado
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Lightning Round Practice Session
Put your newly developed skills to practice during this breakout session. Participants will be separated into small groups, given a brief fact pattern and supporting documents, and given directions with respect to practicing certain skills learned throughout the preceding sessions. These skills may include developing a theme, brainstorming what points you would/would not want to develop during direct and/or cross examination, and overcoming objections with respect to witness statements or other exhibits.
May 12, 2022: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
The Finish Line? Jury Instructions and Closing Arguments
- Practical tips for preparing and drafting jury instructions and verdict forms, including: when to start drafting jury instructions, how to use the instructions to your advantage, and drafting instructions and verdict forms in plain language
- Making your last pitch to the jury in closing argument: storytelling, structure, and themes
- Other considerations in drafting jury instructions and presenting closing arguments
Presented by Ian Kalmanowitz, Esq., Cornish & Dell'Olio, PC
Location Information
El Paso County Judicial Building
270 South Tejon
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Get directions
270 South Tejon
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Registration Fees
| Non Member | $519.00 |
| CBA Member | $389.00 |
| El Paso Bar Association Member | $389.00 |
| CBA/DBA Young Lawyers Division Member | $199.00 |
| Attorneys in first 5 years of practice | $199.00 |
| Paralega/Support Staff | $194.50 |
| Public Service/Government | $194.50 |
| CLEACCESSPASS--ELITE Pass Holder | $0.00 |
| New Lawyer Edge Partner | $0.00 |
| Student Currently Enrolled in Law School | $0.00 |
- General Credits: 17.00
- Ethics Credits: 1.00
- EDI Credits:
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