The practice of law is based on relationships – with clients, potential clients and referral sources. Personal networking is the best way to create and sustain those relationships. Unfortunately, many lawyers will do anything to avoid networking. The key to successful networking is to find the networking method that matches your personality – the one that makes you feel the most...
A master of the courtroom stage who possessed an uncanny understanding of human character, Clarence Darrow was arguably the greatest trial lawyer of the twentieth century. An adamant opponent of capital punishment and a passionate proponent of civil and human rights, he was often called the "Attorney for the Damned" because he fought for the underdog and took on criminal cases thought to be hopeless. Yet, while commanding respect as a trial lawyer, Darrow was often embroiled in bitter controversy for his unpopular stands on many issues and criticized for his purported unethical professional behavior.
Rule 8.3 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct indicates that “a lawyer who knows that that a judge has committed a violation of applicable rules of judicial conduct that raises a substantial question as to the judge's fitness for office shall inform the appropriate authority.” Rule 8.4 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct explains that it is professional misconduct for
Winning the lottery means nothing if you lose the winning ticket before you get to the lottery agent. Similarly, obtaining a guilty verdict after a long and exhausting trial is worthless if your appellate brief cannot persuade an appellate court to affirm the jury’s verdict. You do not want to try a case a second time after having a case reversed on appeal.
Everyone has biases. It’s natural. While me might recognize our own explicit biases, the unconscious nature of implicit bias makes them easier to ignore. Unfortunately, ignoring our implicit biases impacts not only our practice success, but our entire life and reputation.
When we are able to recognize our own biases, and those of others, we can be in control of changing systematic biases within our workplace and society...
This two hour presentation will cover testifying about animal cruelty cases from both the perspective of the prosecutor and the officer, effectively working with witnesses, special considerations for cases related to intimate partner violence, utilizing experts, effectively navigating cross-examination and preparing for trials involving animal victims. Presenter Erin M. Aiello, Law Enforcement...
In a series of four 90-minute webinars, Roger Dodd presents a completely integrated cross-examination system taught via learnable concrete principles. In each webinar Roger illustrates key principles and techniques of cross-examination to implement at trial and at depositions (in-person or online). His examples are based on dozens of real-life examples. Even if you don’t take the whole series...
Many lawyers forget that law is a service profession. Studies show that the most frequent reason for losing clients is poor service. And retaining clients in a volatile economy is crucial to your practice. So how do you make sure you’re providing the best service?
A prosecutor has the responsibility of a minister of justice and not simply that of an advocate. Seeking justice is about seeking the right result in each case. In some instances, this means declining to prosecute a case
where the evidence does not support that a defendant committed the crime and in other cases this means that a prosecutor faced with newly discovered evidence that an innocent
Effective March 22, 2019, Am.Sub.S.B. No. 201, otherwise known as the Reagan Tokes Act (RTA), enacted major changes in relation to first-degree and second-degree felonies by providing for indefinite sentencing in regard to such offenses occurring on or after the effective date. Now, two years later, prosecutors throughout the state are addressing cases having RTA sentencing implications...
At many trials, jurors are presented with a massive amount of information. Legal definitions, scientific jargon, factual disputes, faulty memories… sometimes all in the same case! As prosecutors, we need to help the jury process information in the moment, and help them recall that information later in the jury room. This CLE considers classic stories of epic length, and ...
The market is saturated with task management tools. In this webinar, explore the best free and inexpensive task management tools available today and learn how to take control of your day. When the tasks are organized and the task list is complete, you will be able to focus on the work at hand, sleep better, and find time for yourself.
When advising clients on the purchase or sale of an aircraft, there is more to consider than just purchase price, inspection, and delivery details. Depending on the jurisdiction where the plane will be sold, delivered, or hangered, there could be major tax implications associated with the transaction.
One of the many challenges today’s lawyers face is communicating complex fact patterns and arguments to a variety of audiences. Stories are an excellent (and often overlooked) way to humanize facts and invite people to experience the emotional aspects of what you’re saying. This lively, upbeat program explores the benefits of using stories to frame issues, engage clients, judges...
Dogfighting investigations present unique challenges for law enforcement and prosecutors. During this 1.5 hour course, we will review the relationship between dogfighting and other violent criminal activity, relevant Ohio and federal laws, a review of key evidence and investigative techniques and prosecution preparation.
Ever since law firms began using computers, there have been concerns about whether attorneys must or should use special security measures, like encryption, to protect confidential and sensitive information. Changes in ethical and procedural rules, including requirements that lawyers must (1) be technologically competent and (2) redact court filings, highlight the need for lawyers to be proactive w
Join attorneys Cynthia Sharp and Rebecca Howlett in this practical and insightful CLE exploring how ChatGPT can transform legal practice. The course covers this Generative AI tool's capabilities, practical applications like document analysis and legal research, and how it can enhance attorney productivity. Learn how to mindfully use AI to streamline workflows and promote attorney ...
On October 21, 2021, Alec Baldwin shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins while rehearsing a scene for the movie Rust and Alec Baldwin was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter. Critics argue that charges should not be filed since he believed the gun did not contain live ammunition. Whether you are deciding to file a civil complaint or criminal charges, attorneys must conduct a
The attorney is called upon to assume the tasks of writer, director and actor, but is usually only trained in the rules and procedures of the law. The Art of Advocacy: What Can Lawyers Learn From Actors℠ teaches lawyers how to translate ideas, opinions, research and facts of a trial or other professional presentation into live three-dimensional events. The program demonstrates...
Would you like to increase your client base but don’t know where to begin? Do you want to actively market your practice on a restricted budget – but don’t want to run afoul of the Ethics Rules? If so, you won’t want to miss Cynthia Sharp’s energetic and informative presentation. Attendees will be provided with tools and motivation to create and implement an individual
The fundamentals of a good closing argument are mostly strategic and rhetorical, being designed to convince a properly-skeptical jury to come to the right conclusion on the facts.
What do you do when something doesn't go your way at work? What if you could remain calm and find your footing in short order? What if you were more resilient after setbacks? This dynamic program gives you simple-to-use tools to unlock your EQ to be more present and think on your feet in and out of the courtroom. Borrowing from the latest scientific research as well as insights from improv per
Join attorneys Becky Howlett and Cindy Sharp for this timely webinar as they explore the prevalence of burnout, stress, depression, and anxiety in the legal profession.
The landmark 2016 study on lawyer impairment, Patrick R. Krill, JD, LLM, et al, The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Concerns Among American Attorneys, 10 Journal of Addiction Medicine 46...
On October 21, 2021, Alec Baldwin shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins while rehearsing a scene for the movie Rust and Alec Baldwin was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter. Critics argue that charges should not be filed since he believed the gun did not contain live ammunition. Whether you are deciding to file a civil complaint or criminal charges, attorneys must conduct a screening process before moving forward.
In this presentation, we will discuss the screening process in both civil and criminal cases. Attendees will learn how prosecutors make charging decisions, the factors they consider, the evidence supporting the Baldwin charges and the State’s two theories of criminal liability. The goal of the presentation is for attendees to review the evidence in this case including film clips relating to the charges and determine whether the prosecutor made the correct charging decision.
Attendees have described this presentation as "amazing", "engaging", "informati