2026 Winning at Trial - In-Person
Once a year, the Colorado Chapter of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) gathers some of Colorado’s finest to share their expertise with you, the trial lawyer, regardless of your experience level. Pick up strategies, practical solutions and tips, techniques and skills at this premier trial skills and advocacy program.
CLE CREDITS: This program has been submitted for 8.0 General CLE Credits
Home studies will be available 2-3 weeks following the live program.
CBA-CLE is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, and employment. To request an accommodation please contact [email protected] at least 14 business days in advance.
The program is accredited in Colorado. CBA-CLE staff can provide a Uniform Certificate of Attendance, and it is the attendee's responsibility to complete the accreditation outside of Colorado.
8:30 – 9:00 am
Registration and Coffee
9:00 – 9:05 am
Welcome Remarks
Extended by Jon Sands, Esq., JAMS, Maureen Witt, Esq., Holland & Hart LLP, Program Chairs, and Susie McNulty, Esq., CBA-CLE
9:05 – 10:05 am
Strategies for Mediation and Settlement Panel
Panelists:
The Hon. Robert (Bob) McGahey (Ret.), JAMS
The Hon. Kristen Mix (Ret.), JAG Inc.
The Hon. Michael A. Martinez (Ret.), JAMS
Moderated by Jon Sands, Esq., JAMS
10:05 – 10:50 am
Tips on Trial Preparation, Planning and Strategy
Presented by Timothy MacDonald, Esq., ACLU of Colorado
10:50 – 11:05 am
Morning Break
11:05 – 11:45 am
Opening Statement
Presented by Dru Nielsen, Esq., Nielsen Weisz LLC, and Barrett Weisz, Esq., Nielsen Weisz LLC
11:45 am – 12:30 pm
Direct Examination
Presented by Sean Grimsley, Esq., Olson Grimsley Kawanabe Hinchcliff & Murray LLC, Kenzo Kawanabe, Esq., Olson Grimsley Kawanabe Hinchcliff & Murray LLC, and Eric Olson, Esq., Olson Grimsley Kawanabe Hinchcliff & Murray LLC
12:30 – 1:10 pm
Lunch Break (Box Lunch Provided)
CBA-CLE can provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options if attendees note their dietary needs during registration.
1:10 am – 1:55 pm
Cross Examination
Presented by Carolyn Fairless, Esq., Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell LLP, and Habib Nasrullah, Esq., Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell LLP
1:55 – 2:40 pm
Expert Witnesses
Presented by Laura Menninger, Esq., Haddon, Morgan and Foreman, P.C.
2:40 – 3:00 pm
Afternoon Break
3:00 – 3:45 pm
Closing Argument
Presented by Maureen Witt, Esq., Holland & Hart LLP
3:45 – 4:45 pm
Do’s and Don’ts – Moderated Judicial Panel on Effective Trial Skills and Presentations
Panelists:
The Hon. S. Kato Crews, District of Colorado, U.S. District Court
The Hon. Charlotte N. Sweeney, District of Colorado, U.S. District Court
Moderated by Jon Sands, Esq., JAMS
4:45 pm
Closing Remarks and Adjourn
4:45 – 6:00 pm
Networking Reception
Registration Fees
| Non Member | $529.00 |
| CBA Member | $399.00 |
| Colorado ACTL Section Member | $399.00 |
| LLP/Paralegal/Support Staff | $199.50 |
| Active Military | $199.50 |
| Public Service/Government | $199.50 |
| Non Profit | $199.50 |
| CLE ELITE -or- New Attorney Elite Pass | $20.00 |
| Student Currently Enrolled in Law School | $0.00 |
- General Credits: 8.00
- Ethics Credits:
- EDI Credits:
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